Seriously? Under $25.
Lacking real details, I'm thinking Pilot Error. If you power it properly (not from the processor board's regulator) it will work. But, make sure you buy extra because every now and then you'll find one that's no good. I guessing nowadays they all have knock-off Chinese NFR chips, not genuine Nordic.
That doesn't even make any sense. The IDE occupies memory on your PC, not the target board.
Again, most likely due to hardware setup. Power it properly and follow Robin2's Tutorial. Hundreds of people have had success with it.