Nathan

Hi, it sounds like you are, indeed, using the wrong kind of remote. Flirc works on IR or infrared light. It sounds like you are trying to use a remote that uses RF or radio frequencies. That RF requirement is the reason your remote came with a little USB dongle, so that it could interact with devices. If you have a TV remote or other remote handy, you could try using it with that to see if it works.

Awesome!