XAMPP and WAMP…. not responding? Please Help!

I am new to wordpress, but I am having the same issue with XAMPP and also WAMP (I am trying to install wordpress locally on Windows Vista). I create a data base, user name when needed, update the wpconfig file with database, username, and password.

EVERYTIME I get to the WordPress install page, I enter in a name and an email, and click Install WordPress, it just sits there, or “stalls” like it is trying to find the “step 2” page. Is there a Firewall setting or something I am doing (or not doing) to allow this to properly install?

Please help? I will be grateful to you forever! ??

Thanks so much all