"Status: Loading blockchain data..."
Connections: 0
Height: 0
Current difficulty: ---
Current network hashrate: ---
Software version: ---
Exchange rate: ---
Always like this.

I used new wallet
Firewall?
Nah, im getting exactly the same thing.
Old wallet was fine - just updated via the installer and now it wont connect. just says "status loading block chain data..." (even though i was fully upto date on the old version) and the exchange tab also is receiving no data.
I removed qt-boolb.exe from firewall, re-added it in and still nothing.
Windows 8.1 here.
exactly same as you , windows 8.1 and the GUI keep showing "Loading blockchain data"