I have also recently bought the Xecuter LPT JTAG cable, and I'm receiving the same error:
ERROR:iMPACT - A problem may exist in the hardware configuration. Check that the cable, scan chain, and power connections are intact, that the specified scan chain configuration matches the actual hardware, and that the power supply is adequate and delivering the correct voltage.
Now, I've got one of the CR boards installed in a slim, which gets that error message when I try to program it (slim is plugged into mains, in standby). And I have another CR which I'm powering using a bench power supply, on a different PC, yet it's getting the exact same error.
I have switched to PROG mode, there is no red light on the CR when I do that, unless I switch to NORM, then the red light comes back.
The VCC is 3.3v when I measure it, as I try to program it.
Thanks!