After I close Empire, I can't open it again - any ideas

[Gator]

I download Empire. I play for several hours. I close the application. Then, when I try to launch it again (either clicking on the icon, or going into the start/programs/Empire) the application will not load. I uninstall the software, reinstall it and again, it works fine initially, but once I close the application, it will not launch again.

I do modify my screen background (using one from chiplitre) but that shouldn't impact the ability of the program to open and close.

Anyway, has anyone had this issue - if so what is the fix? Thanks.