XAMPP Control Help/Support on my USB PortableApps

I have installed the XAMPP and the launcher I think they work but I am sure they aren't.

I installed on day one and tried to use when I could not figure it out I decided to install onto the actual computer so I could see what would be different. It was a lot of difference.

I reinstalled onto the USB now knowing what to expect and I thought I got it working on that same computer but apparently I was wrong it must have been the one that was already installed. I say this because I have put my USB into my Laptop and clicked the launcher and I thought the XAMPP started but I get none of the website indications (127.0.0.1 or localhost) and the green sign that says something like running or started is not there on the Control Panel.

All of these are Vista I am tempted to start Virtual box or something so I can try XP. Please help.