I think I have a solution as to why simply changing the php.ini and .htaccess doesn't solve the memory problem...
Create a file and save it as: php.ini
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Type the following into the php.ini document:
memory_limit = 32M ; Maximum amount of memory a script may consume (32MB)
upload_max_filesize = 32M
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Then, save this php.ini file in every folder that has a script in it (all the folders if you're not sure which have scripts or not). This means all sub-folders too.
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Also create a file called, "silverstripe-cache" and include it in the domain/subdomain that you plan on installing SS. The folders you should have are the following, "assets, auth_openid, cms, jsparty, mysite, saphire, silverstripe-cache, themes, tutorial".
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Then re-install.
The easiest way to do this is to do it on your PC/ Mac using copy and paste before uploading the folder containing the CMS up to your server. I.e. it can be a pain in the ass copy and pasting (and making sure it's the right file you're working with etc) on the server [unless you're good with shell commands and all that stuff].
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Good Luck - I hope this helps others, because I was going mental for hours trying to find a solution.
If 32M doesn't cut it - keep increasing it until you get the sweet spot...
Shumon!