Mass Effect 1 won't launch, no error message

[VashHT]

So I reinstalled win7 x64 a couple days ago because I changed some setting on my SSD and updated the firmware. I have Mass Effect through steam and I wanted to reinstall it so I can finally finish it. After reinstalling it though it won't launch at all, and it gives me no error message or anything. The cursor just shows the busy loop for a couple seconds then disappears and nothing happens. I've tried deleting the game and reinstalling it 3 times now and I get the same thing. I've tried running it from the directory itself as admin, in compatibility mode, and it does the same thing every time. Has anyone else heard of this problem before? Is there a fix for it out there?

 

[Itchrelief]

I ran into the same problem, but unfortunately I cannot remember what the heck I did to fix it.

Maybe try changing your account to an admin account temporarily and run it once?

The game works for me now after whatever the heck I did, but it always pops up the UAC prompt to elevate to admin level. It still works if I cancel it, though, for some reason.

edit: I am using Vista 64, if that makes any difference. Bought through steam, though, so that should be identical.

 

[Demo24]

yeah, I had that problem today. What you have to do is put an icon on the desktop, then close steam. Right click the icon and hit 'run as administrator", then it should start right up. I couldnt get steam to run as administrator, so thats the only way i could find to start ME like that.

 

[Karsten]

Worst case reinstall the game.

 

[Slick5150]

yeah, I had that problem today. What you have to do is put an icon on the desktop, then close steam. Right click the icon and hit 'run as administrator", then it should start right up. I couldnt get steam to run as administrator, so thats the only way i could find to start ME like that.

This. Ran into the same problem awhile back, and this was the solution. ME must be run as an administrator for whatever reason.

 

[psihog]

could be related to openal32.dll and wrap_oal.dll files. Search bioware forum for those two filenames and you should find some answers.