I've upgraded to bamboo 5.5.1, on a windows server 2008 machine with JDK 1.8.
Unfortunately, this JDK version was not supported and Bamboo did not display a clear message that this was the issue.

I would suggest that Bamboo checks for java tool-chain compatibility at load-time, thus notifying the user if any discrepancies were found, and if any downgrades or upgrades are required.

See support ticket for more information:
https://support.atlassian.com/servicedesk/customer/bsp/installation-query-14190