success!!!
turns out all I had to do was:
1) insert non-at&t sim
2) power on
3) go to "Manage Connections" -> "Turn All Connections Off"
4) go to "Settings" -> "Options" -> "Advanced Options" -> "SIM Card"
5) at blank screen type in "MEPD" (no text appears)
6) then type in "MEP2" (use ALT-2 for the "2")
7) enter unlock code then hit <Enter>
8) Message saying unlock successful should appear
9) Reboot and turn on "Mobile Network" in the "Manage Connections" folder
cheers