Game locking up?

[dabarber]

I just got the game and installed the game-the first patch-and the second patch.
I've played 3 games and they've all locked up on me.
What happens is when I'm on my home planet (with the pic of my planet on the right)I can click on Facil and the other 3 buttons but can't get out of there. I can also do things like abandon planet and transfer cargo etc...whenever I do anything I'm still locked up.
I can click on the icons on the top left but nothing happens (except for the planetary options) When I try to switch planets or the galaxy screen the active cursor stays on my planet and it won't click through.
Did I do something wrong? Please help!