Hi i just got my phone back from a cell phone repair shop, they had no luck either.
to answers your questions:
i hear no sound from the computer when i plug it in to turn on download mode.
my download screen says Firmware Update on top, "do not unplug the USB connecton...." 0%. in the bottom it says b17 and ROOTED in red.
It's not hard bricked/
Getting into download mode proves this.
You must get your computer to recognize your device in order to communicate with it. So I would not consider anything else until that is accomplished. PERIOD!
1. Are you using a USB 2.0 port? usb 3.0 will not work a lot of the time. (Important)
2. Have you tried another usb cable?
3. I think we discussed the drivers, I have them if needed
What operating system are you using?
If nothing here helps we can we can use "TeamViewer 9" which will give me control of your computer to help resolve this issue...