Searcher
Someone that didn't receive the true message and believed, for instance, that islam degrades women etc. and therefore rejected islam, really can't be blamed. So if that is the reason, it will be taken in account.
As for yourself and people in your situation, if you sincerely want to come close to God and ask Him for guidance, you will we guided.
As for a sign, well, I would advise you not to expect something like a vision or something.
Rather, what you should do is, you should read the Qur'an and when you recognise the message and see that it is in accordance with the nature that God gave us and that it is the truth, you should accept it.
What I mean is, when you see that only islam is so strict on God being ONE, unique (i.e. not in anyway like humans and doesn't do the things which we do, like have children), that islams message is for people to get closer to their Merciful Creator etcetera and when you see that no other religion says this, although it is such a simple message in accordance with our nature, it will convince you, insha'Allah (God willing).
God said, according to islam, that when a person tries to "find" or come closer to God, God comes closer to that person. So if you try to get closer to God by walking to Him, He runs towards you.
So my advice to you is that you read the Qur'an and reflect upon it. If you, besides this, want to read about some miracles in the Qur'an and Sunnah (prophetic way) like scientific statements before its time, prophecies, miracles performed, I suggest you visit this site for instance:
http://www.islam-guide.com
Also, pray to God for guidance. He won't leave you hangin'