Can't change graphics, game times out

I am unable to alter any graphics settings or resolutions in swtor. Whenever I attempt to do so the game times out for too long and reverts back if it doesn't crash and seems stuck at the lowest graphics settings when I have and my computer is capable of running the game on high. I get a black screen I can't seem to interact with and at times the game will freeze and crash. I have attempted to alter the .ini files but this hasn't helped in this case