Only took three tries (today). The secret was to install phpMyAdmin and avoid the native configuration tools; that's where I always ran aground earlier. This time after core installation, I backed away slowly with my hands in the air, switched to phpMyAdmin, and damn, I have MySQL.
I mention this homely little anecdote because having a decent DB has been a gating item for many things I need/want to do, Zone search high on that list. Access was useful for mockups and small sites, but I have too much stuff that needs a heavy-lift DB. One obstacle down, zillions to go.