Failed Attempts

I've been trying to WILD for a couple days now, and only a few times have I felt actually close. Every time I shocked myself out because I was too afraid to keep going. I've seen very light hypnagogic hallucinations, felt like I was tipping, heard ringing in my ears and vibrations but that's really all. At one point I wasn't seeing anything but I felt my body practically melt into my bed and then felt like I was falling. The whole experience felt very intense. At this point, I jolted myself out of it. Was I close at all?
And two side-notes: 1. I've tried to WILD on my back each time, but at one point my back started to feel awkwardly arched so I gave up. Can I WILD on my side/stomach? 2. Will binaural beats help at all? I mostly just hate hearing people talking / moving around in my house but I don't have earplugs.

Welcome to the forums!

First off, I'm not exactly a WILD expert, I've only had 3 or 4 in my life. But it sounds like you're getting pretty close. No two WILD attempts are the same, really, so sometimes you might experience vibrations but not have any HH, or you might experience neither but feel like you're melting. That's why it's important to not specifically aim or wait for the sensations, but just kind of acknowledge them as they come while focusing on maintaining your awareness into the dream. Think of vibrations and HH like street signs on the highway. Your goal is not to see every single street sign on the way to your destination, but when you do see them as you're driving you can tell that you're getting close.

As for your other questions:

1. As far as I know, there's not really one specific sleeping position that will make your WILDs better, though I believe sleeping in a different position than normal can help, since the slight discomfort can help keep you aware during the transition. Its more of a matter of trying out different things and see what works for you.

2. It's kinda hard to say whether or not binaural beats work or not. . I personally use binaural beats on occasion, though I'm not really sure they do anything for me. I just use them as white noise to tune everything else out around me. But hey, it doesn't hurt to try if you want to, although it can take a little time to get used to sleeping with earbuds in.

Also, don't be afraid to try out other techniques if WILD doesn't work out for you. WILD can be kinda hard to get used to when you're first starting out, but you can always try MILD or DEILD, or some other easier techniques if you can't quite get the hang of it. Sweet dreams!

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At one point I wasn't seeing anything but I felt my body practically melt into my bed and then felt like I was falling.

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This sounds incredibly close to me, much more like a transition actually. During a transition, if you can relax and "let it happen," a dream will normally begin. Keep in mind--you'll get used to the falling and flying and sinking after a while. It's really not a big deal--just a lot of fun--and I wouldn't pay attention to it or be freaked out or anything like that. It's harmless, and ultimately, meaningless. What technique are you using, if you don't mind my asking? When are you trying to do your WILD?

If you feel binaural beats do something for you, no harm in working with them, but I think they are a bunch of bunk. Too many things that work better, in my opinion, to waste any time with them.

If you've been trying for only a few days, and have seen this kind of progress, just keep going. You'll have a WILD soon, or at least you'll wake up in a dream after a "failed" WILD attempt.

And seriously, buy earplugs? You can get fifteen pairs or so for a few dollars at any pharmacy.