I'd recommend Java for beginning, especially if you're not going to take a class. IMO it's just so much simpler and easier to learn than C/C++, and you get a ton of really good APIs with it so you don't have to reinvent the wheel. Just go with it, learn the basic principles of OOP, and then you're ready to see what other languages have to offer to the table. I'd recommend also downloading some IDE, like Netbeans or Eclipse, as they will make coding much easier to learn because of the code completion. Of course, then you don't get to learn compiling and running your programs from the command line, but that can be done later.
As for VB, I'd recommend staying out of it. Yeah, it's easy to learn, at least somewhat, but it will teach you horrible, HORRIBLE coding habits.
Edit: I agree wholeheartedly with Kytiara's post above. Take heed and you'll do fine.
