Thanks Jason! I did re-install wordpress and no luck. :-( I really appreciate your troubleshooting.
When I downloaded wordpress, I moved the folder into 'wamp/www/wordpress' I then added the database info into my 'wp-config-sample.php'. I then go to my browser and type in localhost:81/wp-admin/ and I get the initial set-up page where wordpress asks for a language, then I get the next screen which prompts me to enter in the database credentials for it to connect, after I press 'submit' I just hangs and eventually puts out a blank white screen.
I am only trying to make this work locally for now, I do not have a domain name yet (still can't make-up my mind). I'd even settle for just getting the dashboard for wordpress at this point :)
Also, if I just type in localhost:81/wordpress/ I get the 'backend'. (I changed the files to use port 81, because I had too much going on with port 80). Is there some plug-in I am unaware of? or a corrupted file? or a 'timed-out' issue? I feel soooo close, but yet so far off of the answer! I do appreciate any more help you may have, as I have tried you're above suggestions.