I got it work. Someone on the epic 4g forum helped me. Ii was using an ad hoc tether app and not a hot spot tether app.
Its just called wifi tether.Could you tell me what app you are using for the wifi tethering? I have an OG Droid and I was trying to use the wireless tether for root app, but it appears that must be an ad hoc network as I am not able to find the network on my Thrive.