Based on your description it seems like one of 2 things. The issue might be caused by heat in the system. If that is the case then you might want to check your computer's ventilation and fans to make sure everything is spinning and free of dust.It's also possible that there's some kind of corrupt driver file causing this trouble. You should be able to correct that by following the steps listed below:First you will need to download your video cards newest driver.Nvidia -
http://www.nvidia.com/Download/inde...aspx?lang=en-usATI -
http://ati.amd.com/support/driver.htmlas well as the newest version of DirectX9.0c from Microsofthttp://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...;DisplayLang=en
and a driver cleaning programhttp://downloads.guru3d.com/download.php?det=745
Once you have both files downloaded, you will need to reboot your PC in SAFEMODE.
To Get to Safe mode you will need to restart your PC. As soon as it turns back on, start holding down the F8 Key. You should be offered a option screen then instead of it booting into Windows right away. You will want to select SAFE MODE with NETWORKING.
Windows will now load, but it will look different from what you are used to. Install and use the Driver Cleaner program, this will totally remove any old drivers for your video card.
After it is finished go ahead and install the DirectX. After this is installed, you will need to reboot the PC, and load it into SAFEMODE again. This time go ahead and install the Video card drivers. Once done, go ahead and reboot the PC normally and try again to start the game.
Please respond if the issue persists after following the above steps.