Hey guys i've used IWD2 in the past before I had to upgrade to windows 8.1 since then IWD2 has
been unresponsive on start up. I click the file it runs for a few seconds then stops. I've tried the
ddraw fix and the widescreen mode fix, to no avail. Can somebody out there help me with this issue?

Run "setup-ddrawfix.exe" in the IWD2 folder and switch from WineD3D to Force Direct Draw Emulation. This should allow the game to launch. If you experience a flicking cursor and slow downs, you can try my guide:

http://www.gog.com/forum/icewind_dale/windows_81_directdraw_solution_for_iwd2