Hmmm... I don't agree that C++ is a good place to start. It's got a hard syntax, loads of libraries, and documentation that would fill the Library of Congress. C++ is an advanced language, and it takes a lot of knowledge to do simple things. Visual Basic would be a better starting point, but VB.NET isn't incredibly easy either. VB6 was a GREAT beginner's language, but it's going the way of COBOL for new development.
Scripting languages are a great way to start. Learn HTML and then look at Javascript. You'll learn the basics and be able to apply them to something quickly.
And if you're into it and want to make a serious committment, then take on C++.