Need Help Backing Up Computer

Right now, I've been working to backup my whole laptop before my trip, which I've never done. I really didn't think it was that hard, but apparently after over 7 hrs of trying -- yesterday 6 hours in a row and 4 of those hours with either Sony online or on the phone, purchasing software for over $100, I still can't get my computer backed up.

- 300 Gig (backing up about 40 Gigs)
- USB on laptop is 2.0
- Sonic Backup Deluxe

I thought it was just as simple as loading the software, hooking up the external harddrive via the USB, and following the instructions when prompted in the software. This was after spending 5.5 hrs already.

Found out Sony does not (as of 2 weeks ago) support online or phone help with backups of any type. Rarely do I ever lose my cool, but I did last night -- followed by a bunch of swear words. After FOUR people (2 online, 2 phone) and an extensive wait time at 9 pm at night, the guy tells me this. I was livid. He further proceeds to tell me what the other for techs told me was incorrect, and he further said Sony makes no mention of assisting in any way shape or form about backups.

After proving to him that my information came right off the Sony support site, he said that Sony's backup stuff was crap and I was better off buying third party software. I've always been a big fan of Sony, as we have lots of Sony products in our home, but after this very nasty evening, spending my WHOLE Friday night dealing with this, I doubt I'll ever buy another Sony product again. Their customer support stinks big time.

Is there a company that makes good products for what I need that has good customer support?

Anyway, I can't figure out why I can't do my backup. My software loaded fine and seems properly installed. My external hard drive seems to be working, as my husband loaded a bunch of stuff onto there last night to confirm it using the same USB cable that is now connected to my laptop.

I keep getting these errors like there is something wrong with my external hard drive, but I can't figure out what this is. It says it could be that device or the connection. If it was able to do it on my husband's Sony Vaio desktop, why would it be any different on my Sony Vaio laptop?

I'm a bit beside myself right now and feel like smashing my laptop. I can't handle another day wasted, but I need to get this done today. Backing up something cannot be this hard.

I'd greatly appreciate any help I can get. I need to get this done today.

Its very simple
Buy Norton ghost 10 install it
Tell it to image the drive and where to put it and its will be done quite easily.
I dont know one thing about Sony backup but I certainly wouldnt trust my data to it.
An image is an exact mirror copy of every single thing on the hardrive.
Any and all files can be extracted later

I have used Acronis image and maxtor external back up drives. Very easy and very nice.