Set the read and write timeout values as well, as the default values are InfiniteTimeout, it may be that the send will timeout with a useful message on why if you set the timeout values.
port.PortName = cbbCOMPorts.Text;
port.BaudRate = 96000;
port.Parity = Parity.None;
port.DataBits = 8;
port.StopBits = StopBits.One;
port.ReadTimeout = 500;
port.WriteTimeout = 500;