Hi chronic
Have you tried this method to get into rockUsb recovery mode:-
All you do is this,
1) Switch the player OFF using the main on/off switch.
2) Hold down the "MENU" or the "PLAY" button and keep it held down.(try the other buttons if these dont work)
3) Connect the usb to the player.
4) Wait for about 10 seconds before releasing the button.
5) You should be now in "ROCK USB" upgrade mode
6) Then just start ConsumerUpdate and upload your firmware.
or if this doesn't work try a "Hard Recovery" as in this guide.
http://myfreefilehosting.com/f/a6ae653b62_0.15MB
Good Luck, I hope this will work for you.