Sounds like you are close.

Plug in the USB POD connection before launching PT
Go to prefs- audio-drivers button and select the POD as the audio input device (it should be in the list) and make sure it is the ony thing connected.

Then leave the synth hooked up as you said, and open the VU meters in PT.
Play the synth and watch the VU meters as you slowly trun up the volume of the synth. If you see signal in the VU on the input side, you can record.


Make your sound your own!
.. I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome