Hrm. PLA is one of the least hydroscopic materials, so I wouldn't worry about wet filament at this point.
Have you had a chance to take a picture or video? This would really help diagnose.
Like others have mentioned, it sounds like under extrusion or a bed height / level problem.
Here's a simple test: If you set your nozzle further from your bed and start a print, how does the extruder react? on long extrusion runs, does it extrude a nice long thin piece of filament?
Dave