HELP:: Asus WL-500W :: Can't reach router in recovery mode

I'm trying to install DD WRT onto my WL 500W router and am having trouble accessing it when its in recovery mode.

Once the router is in recovery mode it is unreachable @ 192.168.1.1. When I use the Firmware Restoration Utility it says it can't find the device. When I try to ping 192.168.1.1 I get no response.

Does anyone know insight into why this might be happening or suggestions on how to fix this problem?

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BACKGROUND

1. I followed the correct procedure to put the router in recover mode -- it blinks slowly as it should.

2. To figure out whether it was my PC causing the problem, I connected another Asus router (my WL 500gP v2) and put it in recovery mode. I was able and was able to ping it with no problem.

3. I have upgraded the router with the latest firmware from asus using the Asus Web GUI.

4. I have restored the router to factory default settings.

5. When the WL 500W is in normal mode (not recovery mode) I can reach the Asus Web GUI @ 192.168.1.1. The router is 100% operational using the Asus firmware.