sync problems with clones, not official board?

I bought an Arduino Uno and use it for prototypes. For permanant placement, I build clones from kits. So far, I have an Ardweeny and two Diavolinos. I bought DFRobots' FTDI chip. Now, I keep getting the code:

avrdude: stk500_getsync(): not in sync: resp=0x00

no matter what I do. I've also tried "Shift + Upload" and got:

avrdude: usbdev_open(): did not find any USB device "usb"

I've swapped boards, ports, tried timing the reset button, and have cruised the forums. I tried swapping the Diavolino for the Ardweeny with similar results. However, the Uno loads and functions properly. Any ideas?

You bought knock offs and came here for help?

No problem. I have a two step plan to get you up and running in no time:
Step 1: email the people who made the knocks offs
Step 2: see step #1

Hee hee, You know, that actually made me laugh out loud!

Since then, somehow, I managed to make it work. But contacting the maker is a good idea, I simply thought it was odd I had problems with two different makers and two different style boards. I merely thought I was the one being stupid. Umm, if my FTDI was bad, and since it was a common factor, how could I tell it?