PyroCMS v0.9.7.4 - an open-source modular general purpose CMS

[eluser]jgdovin[/eluser]
I seem to have a problem no matter what server I install this on, I have to do the manual sql files. When I do the install on my local server it just says to check my settings, (they are the same that i use for db connections inside ci) and on my godaddy server (got rid of) AND my new Media Temple Grid Server I get..

Code:

Fatal error: Cannot instantiate non-existent class: mysqli in ...../installer/includes/database_class.php on line 15

...../ is my server path.. Any ideas?

EDIT: figured out, for some reason i swore i changed my server to php 5, but it was still on 4... anyway, when I try to install the error is "Dummy data could not be installed, please check settings" BUT it DOES install tables and default user. suggestions?