I had similar problems getting credit card capability.  I resolved them
by going to Bill Proutt, of Bank Merchant Services (800-382-0448).  He
sold me a used verifone, reprogrammed it, and set me up with a credit
card servicing firm.  As I recall, the whole deal ran a little over $1K,
which was *much* better than I had heard elsewhere.  FYI, I:

   1)	am a sole proprietorship
   2)	operate out of my home
   3)	sell software
   4)	sell by mail order

All of these are negatives to most credit card outfits.

-r