It could very easily be the cord. You can find generic replacements for less than $5 on eBay or Amazon, so it’s probably worth the experiment. The cord is the same as the Sansa E200 series.
But first, try forcing the connection. Use the WIndows 7 computer in case Win2K is missing any more recent components.
On the computer, open Windows Explorer (Computer). Make sure the unit is off. Slide the power button down into Hold position (you’ll see an orange dot). Plug the cord into the USB slot. Then hold down << and connect the cord to the unit while holding <<.
See if it pops up in Computer. If not, try replacing the cord. Don’t use the iPod cord–it will fry the Fuze.