Bob, I'm certainly NOT one of those computer guru's that you mentioned, BUT,
instructions with my scanner made the point to do things in this specific order...
1. install scanning software
2. shut down windows and turn off computer (leaving the CD rom in the drive)
3. then connect the scanner
4. then restart the computer, and Windows would then find the scanner and install the drivers.

If you connected the scanner first, maybe that could be the problem? I don't
know, maybe those instructions with my HP scanner would not apply to yours, but just thought I'd mention it for what its worth.
Don