Game not logging into character select screen

[Kurai]

Hey everyone.

OK here is the problem.

I can login to the game using my password and one time password no problem, the game loads up to the title screen, i can view the options and play with the settings but when i go to start the game this is what i get.

note, the little circle just keeps spinning


it has been like this for 15 minuets now...


Now I'm not new to this game, been playing v1 and v2 both since release on this very PC.

I have played this game on

Windows XP
Windows 7
Windows 8
Windows 8.1 preview

with no problems....

yesterday I upgraded to the full version on 8.1 and this error has started to occur.

i have manually written rules into my firewall to allow the connections, and i have also changed the logs in peerblock to allow the connection just like i have done with all the other operating systems but for some reason i cant seem to get to the character selection screen.

as for my graphics card i am running an ATi HD7870 using the latest v13.9 drivers

as i said, never had this problem before even when running the Windows 8.1 Preview this game was flawless.

Could it have been the latest update? i never ran the game after the update on 8.1 preview, i installed the new OS while the servers were down for maintenance.

if any dev should shed some light on my little dilemma I would be very thankful.

I work in I.T and I am very skilled in Networking, I really don't see the problem from my end unless there is something I am missing.

Thanks in advance

Kurai^^