I found the solution to my particular problem by doing a little more research. I had to add the following two lines below # END WordPress in my .htaccess file:
AddType x-mapp-php5 .php
AddHandler x-mapp-php5 .php
This fixed my plugin issue as well as several other issues I ran up against with the administration of my site.
After upgrading to 3.1.1, I’m having also having issues with plugins. Mine seem to be a bit different than others though. I’m currently using Askimet, WP-Syntax, and Platinum SEO Pack. All are the current versions.
I can have up to two plugins activated; it doesn’t matter which two. If I activate the third, I get a 500 error and either the plugin won’t actually activate or if I activate Askimet last, I have to manually reset my plugins.
I have memory_limit set to 40M for something else (don’t remember what though).
Any thoughts?