How To Read Single Result From SQL Database

I am trying to read a single result from an SQL table. I tested my query in MySQL Query Browser and it returns a result of USER_ID=4. My query:
SELECT USER_ID FROM aaalogin where NAME = 'administrator'
I believe my error is due to some "double quoting". I have a "txtUsername" textbox on my login form. I want to inject the typed entry from this textbox into my SQL QUERY. Notice the end of this line, I have tried tons of combinations, nothing works.
myCommand.CommandText = "SELECT USER_ID FROM aaalogin where NAME = " & " ' txtUsername.Text ' "
The result is ALWAYS "0" though, which is useless to me.

Full code below:
Imports MySql.Data.MySqlClient
Imports System.Data
Public Class frmLogin
Private Sub cmdCancel_Click(ByVal sender As System.Object, ByVal e As System.EventArgs) Handles cmdCancel.Click
Application.Exit()
[Code] .....