Ranger,

I don't know if this will help, however when I had my issues with Java I ran into this same thing for awhile, seeing the count but not the chat itself. A friend then coached me through the installation step by step, finding that not closing all other programs when attempting to install the Java on my own was my issue. After that it worked for me, but then I've been tempted to through the PC in the snow drift myself. Good one!

You are probably way ahead of me on how to install programs.  Just my 2 cents.