Should your BlackBerry PlayBook not connect to your Windows PC via USB on the first attempt, there are a number of troubleshooting steps you can take.

Firstly you should ensure that you are running the latest version of the BlackBerry Desktop Manager software available from http://www.blackberry.com/desktop, ideally you should be running version 6.0.2.44 Bundle 45 or later.

If running Windows 7 64-bit, you should ensure that you are running Service Pack 1 or later.

When first connected to the PC, Windows should detect the new hardware as a "RIM Network Device" and add it as a Network Adapter.

You can view the success of failure of this installation in the Device Manager. On Windows XP you can find this under Control Panel --> System --> Hardware --> Device Manager, the Research In Motion Network Device should be listed in the Network Adapters section:

If you see an item listed in the Other Devices section, then the driver for the device has not been installed properly:

Step 1:

Disconnect the PlayBook via USB and power it off. Reconnect the PlayBook while still powered off, then power it on. Windows may re-detect the new hardware again and install it correctly.

Step 2:

Install the USB drivers manually. The required drivers for the PlayBook are available as a standalone installation package available here - ftp://ca:welcome@ftp.brightpointuk.co.uk/Technical%20Support/Blackberry/...

Extract the contents of the ZIP file and run the Setup.exe file within. Reconnect the PlayBook and hopefully the device will be correctly recognised.

Should the Network Adapter be listed in the Device Manager but be disabled (it will have a red cross on it), right click on the entry for it and select the option to Enable.

Should the Network Adapter be correctly installed and enabled, but the Desktop Manager software not be able to communicate with the device, open the Control Panel and select Network Connections.
Find the entry for the Local Area Connection using the RIM Network Device:

Right click on entry and select Properties. Ensure that the appropriate network services are enabled:

Also ensure that the USB connection option on the PlayBook is set to either Automatic or Windows rather than MacOS:

Should your device still not be detected correctly, as the PlayBook is installed as a network adapter, try disabling any personal firewall applications that may be running and stopping connectivity over the new interface.

If all else fails, try connecting the PlayBook to another PC should one be available to see if the issue is with your PC or the PlayBook itself.
If the issue lies with the PlayBook, contact RIM technical support, or Brightpoint GB should you have purchased your device from us.