I know to look out for all of the above and im very careful with setting configs on any 18 series device as there is a lot to them, however none of the above is my problem.

I cannot even get a confirmed working hex file to work without the dredded "Unknown Device" error, with EXACT hardware even.

Ive tried many different cables, ports, PC's etc. to no avail.

I always use .47uF caps on VUSB, as I have a hundreds of them.

Im about done with trying to get USB working and just continue on with the FTDI solution.