Sync photos to my computer

Hi! I am trying to sync my photos from my iPad Mini to my new Windows 8 laptop. I first tried to download iCloud on my computer. But then, when I open my iCloud Photos, nothing shows up even though I enable iCloud to sync my photos in my iPad Mini settings. Since that wasn't working, I tried to plug my iPad to my computer like I used to do before with my iPod Touch. I was able to import them in my photo library but when I click on one of them, a pop up appears saying that I can't see them. I just want to back up my pictures so I don't loose them! Please help! Big thank you!!!