errr...maybe I just found my answer.
Pro Tools Software Requirements — General Overview
* All Digidesign Pro Tools systems include Pro Tools TDM or LE software, at no additional charge
* Pro Tools software is not sold separately, except as version upgrades for existing Pro Tools systems
* All Pro Tools TDM & LE software requires compatible Digidesign hardware in order to work
* Pro Tools TDM & LE software will not work in "standalone" mode without Digidesign hardware
* Pro Tools TDM and LE software cannot be used with third-party sound cards and hardware without Digidesign hardware
The only exception to this is Pro Tools FREE software for Mac OS 8.6/OS 9 and Windows 98/Me, which works in standalone mode with the Apple Sound Manager in Mac OS 8.6/OS 9 and some Sound Manager compatible third-party hardware in Mac OS 8.6/OS 9. Pro Tools FREE for Windows 98/Me requires a sound card. See the Pro Tools FREE compatibility documents for more information.
that's stupid. ha.