Q: Stuck on 'accessing iTunes store'

I can't get itunes to run on my windows pc. I followed all the download instructions and attempted to run the program, but it just stops with the 'accessing itunes store' message at the top and a loading bar with black lines moving through it. I've attempted to sign in, to authorize, to de-authorize, and reset my computer's 'winsock' (then restart it), but nothing works. It's like itunes isn't even regestering anything I do. I can type complete gibberish into the sign in box, but I don't even get a 'username/password incorrect' message. I tried letting the program keep running (once for about 30 hours straight), just to see if it would connect eventually, but it never did. It just slows down the computer and pretty much prevents me from doing anything else.