I too while being signed in as administrator am "locked out".
No, these links are not helpful.

Split from-
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_8-windows_update/cant-change-windows-update-settings-windows-8/22004cf9-5238-491a-81bf-4998c712b7b7

This issue can occur if a certain group policy blocks the access to Windows Updates.

You may follow these steps and check if it helps.
a. Press Windows key + R, type gpedit.msc and press Enter.
b. Navigate to Computer Configuration> Administrative Templates > Windows Component> Windows Update. Make sure the states of all settings are 'Not Configured'.
c. Make one change here,
Open node 'Configure Automatic Updates'
Select 'Enabled'
Under Configure automatic updating, Select 5 - 'Allow Local
Admin to choose settings'
Under scheduled install select any value.

d. Again, navigate to Computer Configuration> Administrative Templates> System> Internet Communication Management-> Internet Communication settings. Make sure the state of 'Turn off access to all Windows Update features' is 'Not Configured'.