Game dosen't load?

[Grimme]

Ok, So I got my Civ IV today.
Unfortunately, it isn't working.
It won't start. I kick it up, the loading thing comes up, then it says "Checking XML" and just disapeers, game dosen't load.
I tried the ATi card fix [Have an X600], but to no avail.
I then created a new account on my PC and ran the game through it.
Success! I thought when it loaded up, unfortunately, the videos didn't play [just the sound], then the main menu appeared, but unfortunately, only the fancy animated background, no selectable text.
I always thought XML was an internet language.
I'm pretty pissed really, I payed 18 quid and I want it to work, if anyone can give me any help with this, I'd be ever so greatful.
I'm on Catalyst 5.9.
Updated my sound drivers aswell.

P4 3.4ghz EE
1GB Ram
ATi X600
Soundblaster Live! 24-bit external sound card
Windows XP, SP2.

No error appears either, it just goes back to desktop, it's rather annoying.

 

[Jim_MacKay249]

Hi
I can sometimes get it to work by runing Task Menger before I start the game (it will not run after I have started the game) then ending the task when it stops responding after a few trys it will then run but crashes when to try to exit. What a bag of nails last Sid Meiers game I am buying which is a sham Civ2&3 where good, but I am pissed off with this one.