A dxdiag and some more info about your system is needed to pinpoint the cause, but there are some general troubleshooting tips you could try. Just open Run and type dxdiag.
Also, is this the first time you've attempted to run the game or has it worked before?
- If you haven't already, try a clean boot (shuts down any background programs that aren't essential, in case it's not the AntiVirus that is causing you problems). If you're using Vista, follow these instructions:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/331796 If that doesn't work, I have another tip that I've seen work for some semi-similar problems (videos that won't play / hangs the game, game hangs on splash and loading screens):
- Try updating or reinstalling the latest audio drivers. When games freeze like that on splash screens / loading screens it may be a problem with your audio configuration. If the problem still isn't gone, try reducing / disabling sound acceleration. You can do this in dxdiag from the "Sound" tab, there should be a slider. Try lowering it or setting it to "None". (Remember to put your sound acceleration back to full if it doesn't work / you're done playing).
Hope one of the above can help, if not post a dxdiag.