Note: I'm a player in the game loki44 is joining.
Fighter or barbarian are good suggestions. If you choose feats such as weapon specialization, that simply add a flat amount to attacks and damage, you can factor all those in ahead of time and not have to do any figuring on which to use when during an actual game.
We did have a player, my nephew, who was practically a total newbie to pen and paper RPG, although he had a good bit of computer RPG experience, and he played a druid. Seemed to do okay.
Several of us have copies of the Dummies book that just came out. It does have suggestions for builds for what they figure are the easiest classes to play (fighter, rogue, sorcerer and cleric).
For my money, if you decide to play a spellcaster then the spontaneous casters are easier to play. You have to do some work away from the game table picking spells, but you don't to take time during a game deciding which spells to prepare. It is sort of like taking an at-home, open-book test each time your character levels and you have to pick new spells. But you don't have as many pop quizes during games. I don't think there are any spontaneous divine spellcasters approved, but I think the DM has indicated he would be receptive one if you are interested.
Dang, my rambling probably just makes it more confusing. Instead, I'll use an analogy that might help. If you play any golf you probably know that some people are very serious about their game. They have no patience for amatuers and hacks. If you play with them, they won't offer you any advice but they will harumph and express displeasure that you are slowing down their game. Playing with them, you will feel constantly under pressure, and you won't have any fun.
There is no one like this in our group.
