Sorry Ken, I can't help directly. I've resisted using Windows 8 myself and if I do have to move from Windows 7 I'll go straight to Windows 10.
All I know is that the EOS Utility is
supposed to be compatible with Windows 8.1
Are you running the latest version of the EOS Utilty? Have you tried running an earlier version (e.g. the one on the CD that came with your camera?)
If you are using AVG there may be an issue - see
https://support.avg.com/answers?id=906b00000004udqAAAGood luck!