I went through the same thing yesterday (9800 V2) and though it was screwed. I was using Uploader 4 to upgrade the Boot Loader and Compress Application. I too would only get a dot on the display when it was plugged in. Uploader 4 is new so maybe there is a problem with it?
The solution that worked for me was to use Uploader 3 which has a pulldown box to choose what you want upload, (ver 4 only had "BootLoader" and "All") With Uploader 3 I uploaded the Boot Loader and Compress Application which I had tried to do when it locked up.
Uploader 3 isn't on the site for download anymore, if you need a copy leave a message here and I'll send it to you, or email me at
mjimw@yahoo.com