I have uninstalled the game that I downloaded via gamersgate and am reinstalling it through Origin through a code I got from EA. I'll let you know how that turns out.
I currently have Windows 8, but would you recommend trying 8.1 instead?
Update, I did a total reinstall using Origin, then installed patch 1.02. The patch installed properly, and then I ran Origin as an administrator, and the launcher and exe as administrator/Windows XP compatability mode. The game still won't load...
What happens when you attempt to run it now? Have you rebooted since doing the above?
I do not recommend Windows 8.1. But I'm biased in against companies using their OS dominance to force their cloud services down my throat. But more importantly, the further you get from XP (The OS that ME was written for) the less likely it is to work. Not that you're having a lot of luck at the moment, but each successive OS version will likely make it harder, or even impossible at some future point.
I have attempted it since doing the above, and still have the same problem. I have reinstalled the game using a new install code from Origin, and still no change. I also have disabled "sync with cloud" in Origin. Still no change.
