superpunk So I do have intermittent issues with my Display Link connected monitor, but it's on a desktop running through the GPU. I'm running Solus on Budgie.
Every once in a while the display will just fail until I pull out the cable and plug it back in. I would say this is the cable, but I've replaced the cable. I moved on to just accepting that maybe my power supply has hiccups and kills the connection every once in a while (talking maybe a few times a month).
But as far as your issue of not even getting it up and running, unfortunately I can't say I'm having that difficulty. Sorry! (This probably wasn't helpful, but I am having problems with my DP, so I thought I'd offer my two cents)