RCA Lyra stops communicating

Having difficulties using bundled software (eMusic and Audible Manager) for
downloading mp3 and wma files from HDD to device. Using Windows Explorer
seems to work but the device just stops working. All files I'm loading were
ripped using Windows Media Player. Also, can't find the "Safely Remove
Hardware" icon in the System Tray when this device is inserted. The RCA icon
displays then disappears. Can I just disconnect at any time when it looks
like no files are being transferred? One more thing, when connecting the
device it Windows automatically opens a Windows Explorer window to view
files. How do I change that to "do nothing".
Any help with these would be greatly appreciated!