Hi,
Is the Arduino program and arduino drivers compatible with Windows 8? It would really help to know. If arduino is not compatible with windows 8 is there a easy noob way to let me be able to do arduino? My problem might not be because of Windows 8 it could be completely un-related.
Blue Skies 
1001100111100
Have a look on google, there should be lots of info for installing non digitally signed drivers. ( a windows setting has to be disabled )
Once installed, if the IDE is not working, try running the IDE in compatibility mode for an earlier windows ( if windows 8 includes this option ).
Compatible drivers with Windows 8 will be included in the next IDE version 1.0.4. or in the 1.5.2 beta. 
--> http://arduino.cc/en/Main/ReleaseNotes
--> Driver not supported on Windows 8 [imported] · Issue #1040 · arduino/Arduino · GitHub
Thank you