Apache just won't start (XAMPP)

[necronDOW]

I am sure you have all seen this many many times, as have I but everywhere I go and every solution I have tried to this point just does not make a difference. Basically, Apache and MySQL are not starting... At all, on XAMPP, and it is beginning to seriously frustrate me to the point of giving up.

23:42:57 [Apache] Error: Apache shutdown unexpectedly.
23:42:57 [Apache] This may be due to a blocked port, missing dependencies,
23:42:57 [Apache] improper privileges, a crash, or a shutdown by another method.
23:42:57 [Apache] Press the Logs button to view error logs and check
23:42:57 [Apache] the Windows Event Viewer for more clues
23:42:57 [Apache] If you need more help, copy and post this
23:42:57 [Apache] entire log window on the forums

Before you suggest your solutions, please see the list of things I have already tried, as I don't think any of us want to waste our time here:

1. Skype ports? Nope, dealt with that, they are not using ports 80 and 443 any more and I have un-ticked the box on the Skype settings.
2. Firewall? I disabled firewall and tried to re-run XAMPP and Apache, it didn't make a bit of difference.
3. User Account Control? Still enabled, however I made sure that XAMPP installed to C:\Program Files as opposed to C:\Program Files (x86).

What can be done for this? I am a complete newbie to this.

Thanks,
Liam

[Altrea]

I made sure that XAMPP installed to C:\Program Files as opposed to C:\Program Files (x86)

This is wrong. This folder is for 64 Bit applications only and XAMPP has only 32 Bit applications.
Install XAMPP as recommend in C:\Xampp\

[mark.mcdonald]

If Altrea's solution doesn't work (I would be surprised) try using Command Prompt and type: NetStat -ano
This will show you if port 80 is being used by anything else and preventing apache from starting.
Also can't help but notice you didn't post the logs when MySQL shutdown.