cv22 error: communication failed error 198 ????

Put up a screen shot of your com port in device manager

I cleared the flag but still cannot communicate

You don't have to set the com port speeds using the device manager. Reset it back to defaults.

I would change the com number to com 1 as well while I was at it and set it to com 1 in cv 22

Your cable packet should have stated which type of serial cable it was. If it said null modem cable or crossover (sometimes cross) then it is the correct one. If it didn't specify type, it is usually a straight cable which won't work. Failing that, you can measure each pin from one end to the other with a multimeter.
It is fine to use Com3 as long as you set it the same in the software. You will probably have to use 9600 baud too.