WampServer

hi everyone, im a total newbie here

tried to install some scripts to learn.

but other than getting to the homepage i get 404 errors

on codeignitor

i have tried

1. rewrite modules
--always on. if off, 500 internal server error

2. htaccess changing.
--now it is at
RewriteEngine ON
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-f
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-d
RewriteRule .* index.php/$0 [PT,L]
#RewriteRule ^(.*)$ /index.php?q=$1 [L,QSA]

have tried a few variations... but...

3. changing config.php
changing some of the pointers makes the homepage display funnily. other than that nothing is acheived. still 404 error.

4. httpd-vhosts.conf
allow all
does nothing..

5. --read the problem might be due to server emulation?

im literally pulling out my hairs. if anyone has more experience... would be great to know...thanks..