Put a card on the reader, and use our PC/SC Diagnostic tool (from the "Quickstart for PC/SC" package, on our main website) to send "FFCA000000" : the card should answer its serial number, proving that you can communicate with it.
First thing to do is to install it properly and check that the “Smart Card” service is up and running. This is explained on our PC/SC installation guide.
Now, if this doesn't solve your problem, please consult the Windows PC/SC troubleshooting page on our blog.
You can download Putty, this is a good substitute for the Hyper Terminal.