That's what so frustrating. I have actually created a new account using a different e-mail.
(the one microsoft sent me the validation to) yet whenever I type it in I get nada, zilch, zero.
The password to log-in will be the same as the password for the Account itself.
same problem. And heres the kicker. When I first power up the computer I get another windows password box and THAT password works every time
Then you did not sign-in with a Microsoft Account. You can do so with the Charm's bar; point to the upper-right corner of the screen, and click Settings and then Change PC Settings, click Users, then "Sign in with a Microsoft Account" and follow the instructions. The Account MUST be a Hotmail or Outlook E-mail address.
You do not need a Microsoft Account to use the PC normally. You need it for any Win8 Apps, however. Since you have not signed in with a Microsoft Account you cannot access the Store.
By the way, you have to log in to WINDOWS using the Microsoft Account; you cannot enter it later in the Windows Store prompt, I don't believe.