Failure configuring windows updates

Hi there!

About 10 days ago I got some windows updates that needed configuring, so I restarted my laptop with the expectation of success. (I've never had a problem with updates before.) Much to my chagrin, the update stopped at 12%, stayed there, then a message appeared that said "Failure Configuring Windows Updates, Reverting changes, do not shut down your computer." I thought maybe I had pressed some button on my keyboard and accidentally canceled it, so I tried again. And again, and again. Every time without fail (no pun intended) it stopped at 12% and ceased updating. I looked up the text and apparently it's not just me that has this problem. I followed forum instructions, ran an advanced hardware diagnostic at start-up, yielding no problems. I deleted my audio drivers, tried the update, and that failed. I used a system restore. I did it 5 times in a row, with hopes of a victory through sheer persistence. Nothing I've tried has worked even slightly. 

I would like some help fixing this. It doesnt impede my computer's ability to function, however it does drastically slowdown shut down and start up. I would like an answer.

Dell Inspiron 15

Intel(R) Core(TM) i3-3227U CPU @1.90 GHz

6.0GB (5.7 GB Free)

64-bit operating system, x64=based processor

Windows 8