"Problem solved... sort of.
I guess no one has seen this problem.  But IF you do, here is what I did to get it to work:
Use a Windows 8 computer.

I was using a Windows XP SP3 computer.  I tried uninstalling and reinstalling.  Did it 11 times.  First…"

"I got mission planner to work for me... sort of.  I had to switch to a Windows 8 computer.
I was using my old desktop with Windows XP SP3.

So with the Windows 8 computer, Mission Planner had all the text boxes working so then I was able to program…"

"Here is a screen shot.
It also shows that I clicked on the flight mode 1 drop box.  All that happened was a black box with no text appeared below it.
Strange.mission planner screen shot.JPG"

"Here is mine screen shot.
The screen shot also shows me clicking on the first flight mode box.  The drop down list is just a black box with no text.mission planner screen shot.JPG"

"I've got the same issue.  Hopefully someone will chime in and help out soon."

"Hey Louis,

Thank you for your help.

I found two things wrong:

The compass needed calibration, so the motors would not arm until that was completed - I didn't get a manual with this multicopter. I have been reading online, but there is so much…"