Congratulations on getting it working. It’s bizarre that you’ve had the same problem with two units, though–or was it the same cable with both?
It is also odd for the Fuze to be recognized but not able to transfer files–the cable is usually an all-or-nothing situation–but I guess there are exceptions to everything.
Amazon, eBay and cell-phone accessories sellers have generic replacement cables for about $5. It’s also the same cable as the Sansa E200 series. I have a spare for traveling.