i have confirmed it is a corel issue. i installed coreldraw x5, and i am once again making EPS files with a contourcut outline and versaworks is opening them. i tried to ask corel for a key to convert the trial to a full version, but they only offer corel x7...full price, and no demo for it. so, i can buy x7 and HOPE it solves my problem, or i can try to find a crack for x5. the problem, i can't upgrade to versaworks 6 from version 4 because my machine is too old! it's an xc-540 soljet pro III.
i guess i have 29 more days to figure this out. if anyone can help, please do!