oh interesting if you run
WiiLauncher then start wiird or gecko dot net (in that order) does the software connect ? never played with Wiilauncher my knowledge is a bit limited I just build the things check they work with wiird / gecko dot net / gecko os / kart kart wii and ship them out.
Yer should work with the gc you will need to be able to boot GeckoOS_1.06d on the gc, get that from here
http://www.staffs2.webspace.virginmedia.com/shuriken_usb.htm
or the gc-forever.com site.
sorry I am trying to help but my wii software knowledge is limited :-(