Creating a new Virtual Machine problem -> Linux Mint guest on Windows 8

Running Windows 8, trying to install Linux Mint. (Ubuntu based w/cinnamon)

Everything seems to work at first. I add the disk image (ISO) to be installed, it gives me a boot up message, I select Log into Mint (I've tried the other options as well) and it launches the boot up sequence (loading screen with text), but then a second later, it goes back to the "click here to start" screen and I can't even install linux.

I've also tried running parallels in Administration view. I've also enabled virtualization in my bios.

My hardware is is a laptop (Lenovo Y500).