Login protected access.

Hi
Tried wp file upload and s2member plugins, none of which I could get to work. file upload would not create a page that could be found after the first attempt with sidebar login widget. s2member far too complex as I only need a login to a protected page.

Internet search reveals 2 year old solutions requiring a whole plethora of plugins. Anyone have any advice? Would be great, thanks in advance.

Cheers