I just downloaded Gimp 2.8 on Windows 8 and I cannot get the layers, the paths, or channels dialogue to open. does anyone know what the problem is and how to fix it? I used the drop down menu and the keyboard shortcut to try to view the layers dialogue and nothing seems to happen! I am so frustrated right now. Please help me!

This is what my channels dialogue looks like. If you want to show more tabs, there is a little black triangle where you can add or change your options. Check the red square for the triangle.

Yes... Molly is correct. Look at this screenshot.