Hi Earl
If this is first time installation
then Please check the below points .
1.TAO NT naming service : restart the service.
2.Check firewall : should be disabled
3.SQL server : service is running
4. Antivirus ,if any : should be disabled
5. Native client is installed.
6.follow the steps given by Mr.Kennedy.
if still does not solve , try with 32 bit client installation.
--Manish