perhaps the usb-serial module isn't timed correctly? Try forcing the baud rate to 9600

I wouldn't know how. The baud rate is set by the computer, not the USB-Serial module.

@niek check your connection properties in windows you should have a drop down box to set baud rate. When I get home I will try to find it if you haven't already.

Update- are you using win 7 or 8 ?

Windows 7/8
Start (if Windows 7) or Control Panel (Windows 7 or 8)
Devices and Printers
Right Click on the EZ-B (unless it's called something else i.e. USB-TTL)
Click on Properties
Click on Hardware along the top
Click on the Port (Standard Serial... or whatever the USB one is called)
Click on Properties down the bottom (Above OK Cancel and Apply)
Click on Port Settings along the top
Adjust the settings to suit, Click OK when you are done

Thanks, I'll try it as soon as I get my omnibot back together

Eeny, meeny, miny, moe, Catch a tiger by the toe. If he screams, let him go, Eeny, meeny, miny, moe. Josh wins

Yay! , thanks I didn't know they used Meeny Miny Moe descision making skills in the Netherlands lol

Eeny, meeny, miny, moe is used globally I believe it was even used to decide which caves to check first when they were looking for Bin Laden.