Can connect to database but can't get past second test

I get:
Connecting to database server: Success!

- Checking MySQL server version: OK! Running: 5.1.52
- Checking MySQL client version: OK! Running: 5.1.52

but then get:
Connection character set: *(These drop downs are blank)
Collation: *(These drop downs are blank)

→ Create or test selection of your database.

Checking database: MODX could not create your database. Please manually create your database and then try again.

What am I doing wrong? I'd appreciate any help anyone can give me.

Did you create the database before running setup?

I did and I still got the same error.

Check the exact name of the DB in cPanel. Hosts often add a prefix, so it may not be the name you entered. Also, make sure you created a user for that specific DB with full rights and double-check the DB username (sometimes these get a prefix too) and password.

You'll occasionally have to 'flush permissions' when managing database privileges - that is, if you isolate your databases by user account.