Home Recording Helppp!!!?

I am new to this and it's getting quite ridiculous and frustrating as ive tried what seems like EVERYTHING to get this operation to work. Im trying to record a demo. But basically right now I have a MXL 990 Condenser Mic, and a Art Tube USB Dual Pre. The MIC is going to the PRE via XLR which is connected via usb to my computer. Still no sound in any of the software ive tried (Audacity and Mixcraft 4). Phantom power is switched on and is 48 volts. I thought this was as simple as i could have gotten...Buttttt. nope. Somebody with some experience help! This is enraging.