Hey guys, as the title says, MYSQL isn't working.

Using home computer (XP) to build a website, and its my first time using MYSQL. I have apache (2.2.3) and PHP (5.2.0) working fine, and decided to include a database for this site I'm doing. So i downloaded MYSQL (5.0.27), and installed it, expecting it to work as easily as apache and PHP have done in the past, but no, it wants to be different.
I try to connect, but doesn't seem to get past there:
Code:
<?php
echo "hello"; //This is displayed.
$con = mysql_connect("localhost","username","password");
echo "hi"; //It doesn't reach here, meaning something is wrong with above line.
//more code
?>
Yes i have completely switched off the firewall, made sure the username/password is correct, etc etc.
I also read somewhere that...
Code:
<?php
phpinfo();
?>
...would display information relating to MYSQL if installed, but it only brings up PHP info.

I have now installed it at least 8 times over the past few days, each time making sure the previous installed files/registry settings are gone, rebooting afterwards, and even using guides to make sure I'm doing it properly. No luck so far. Anyone have any ideas?
There are probably better places to ask this, but what the hell