Help needed with backup to iCloud: iPad iOS 6.1.3

Hi all, for 2 weeks now I have been battling trying to get my iPad to complete a valid backup to the iCloud. It all started when I received the message that no backup had been done for 2 weeks. I found this strange since every evening the iPad is locked, connected to wifi and power. I tried everything suggested on previous discussions: I reset my iPad several times, I closed all apps, reset, tried again. still no result. I disabled iCloud backup, then re-enabled it, reset the iPad. Still nothing. According to the iCloud settings I still have 3.9 G of free storage. I have tried leaving my iPad for over 24 hours to complete a backup but it just sticks at a full blue bar, but with the wheel turning and no estimation of how much longer the backup needs.

The only thing I haven't tried is to delete my iCloud account and create a new one. Frankly I'm a bit wary of doing this: will I lose all my data on my iPad? Also, I'm not very tech-savvy and would appreciate help with any steps needed to do this... If this still doesn't work (i.e. can't backup from a new account) what should I try next? It's now 4 weeks and counting, and Apple charmingly says that if I can't do a backup within the next 5 months all my data will be erased, so I can't just stick my head in the sand and ignore the problem. Any suggestions gratefeully received: thanks!