i don't know how much it will help, but in your PIC program, you should add
DEFINE HSER_CLROERR 1

with the other DEFINEs. And at the end of your program, you should add a GOTO somewhere or END

There's few weird thing on the VB side but it may work.

I have few PDF on VB if you want them drop me you e-mail in my PM box.

OR have a look on the Bruce website => http://rentron.com/VisualBasic.htm