Problem with your code that may come into play is text-indent only effects the first line. If you have links/descriptions this may pose a problem. Don’t see why a simple margin:0; padding: 0; would not suffice.
I actually found the instructions very straitforward. Had never used databases before and encountered no problems what so ever. Are you sure your host even supports the requirements to run WP?
oh, he used some margin positioning in the layout. I’d email the creator or learn css if you really want it switched. Personally do not have the time to do it myself.
just took a quick glance. Put the entire content portion of the code under the menu portion of the code.
start div id=”menu”
menu stuff…
end div
start div id=”content”
content stuff
end div
if its done with floats that should work