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Well, I prefer a more technical answer than just calling web hosts "sucky." I decided to change the modification in phpMyAdmin back and use the recovery tool just to make sure I was modifying the correct variable, which I was.
I stumbled on the FAQ of "
Why do I have blank pages?" I tried everything in order. Solution number 7, "Make sure that the cache, uploads, templates_c directories are CHMOD 777 (anonymous r/w permission on Windows."
I had my directories set to 666. When initially installing, it stated I could use 666 or 777. I always prefer giving as least amount of permissions as possible when installing scripts.
I know, this should have clicked earlier.. However, the old saying, better late than never.