Anyone else run into this problem with their 8 machines? I download the GOG downloader, but it won't open. Even tried running as Admin, but nothing. Same thing with the games... download, but won't open and run... just the spinning ball for a couple seconds, and nothing. Reminds me why I am hating 8, and still run 7 on my main box, but would like to take the games on the go, and my laptop is 8.1, so...

Thank you in advance for the help...

Have you tried running it with the compatibility mode?
Right click -> properties -> compatibility ->click "run this program in compatibility mode" and try xp or win7

I had an issue with win 8.1 a while ago where it would not let me install a game I had downloaded because I had disconnected the computer from the internet. It openly stated that it could not check the installer and asked for my password. When I entered that it just ignored the installer. I was able to get around it by running it in compatibility mode, so it might work for you too I hope.