I'd recomend JEDI-SDL actually. If you want to go cross-platform, it's the best option by far.

The library is completely free and works great on all 3 major PC platforms. (Windows, Linux and MacOS X)

Plus the input handling functions are 'superior' imho. (Joystick, mouse & keyboard) If you wanted to get into 3D graphics at some point or even just dabble with a few things it will intergrate with OpenGL easily aswell.

Very powerful, yet simple library to use.