Wonder why Microsoft is losing so much money online? Its Live Cashback offer isn't the sole reason, but it's symptomatic of the problem. Since June, Microsoft has included eBay in a program which offers users of its Windows Live search engine discounts when they click on ads and buy a product. Coupon-tracking blogs report that Microsoft and eBay have increased the discount to 30 percent, up to a maximum of $250. It's inconceivable that this can pay off for Microsoft, but there's no reason not to get a cheap laptop. Trust us, Bill Gates can afford it.