endles loop of configuring

I am trying to upgrade, and for the life of me, I cannot do it.

1. I run ./configure.sh
2. I visit gallery/setup and enter my admin ID and password (as I recall them to be)
3. It shows me the first page of setup checks... the essentials are all green. However, 'register_globals' is enabled on my server
4. I hit "next step" button at bottom and I am AGAIN asked for my admin ID and password. Why? No idea.
5. goto step 3 until end of time, an endless cycle of passwords being entered again and again, and the configuration wizard failing to show serious errors or to advance beyond its first page.

The same thing happens if I do the resetadmin file hack -- it simply keeps presenting me a new hex number to throw into the file.

There are no cookies in my browser(s) that have to do with gallery on my site.
It doesn't even work when I clear the cache.

Please tell me how I can manhandle gallery so it lets me log in?

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The following information is required to get an answer:
Get this information from the PHP diagnostic (in the configuration wizard).
Gallery URL (optional but very useful):
Gallery version: 1.5.9
Apache version: Apache/2.2.9
PHP version (don't just say PHP 4, please): 5.2.6
Graphics Toolkit: no idea
Operating system: freeBSD
Web browser/version (if applicable): latest Safari and/or latest Firefox

Hi -- thanks for the help. The counter does not increase.
I may not be able to get my service provider (pair.com) to alter PHP settings.

What alterations would I ask for? Are there alternative ways to get Gallery working?

They may have changed this months and months ago when the updated their PHP install.

Thanks in advance.

tone

edited out