This is a addition to my notes: I did reset my video card options all to default first too. then resumed my overclocked settings once i had a solid game working and worked my way back up to the settings i had.
1.) Verify integrity of game files though steam.
2.) IMPORTANT STEP! - DO NOT LOG IN!
3.) Re-enter your Serial below the login, with NO dashes, and ALL CAPS
4.) Now sign in.
YAY did it work? let me know. Thanks guys!
MS Windows 7 64-bit
AMD Phenom II X4 955 @ 4Ghz ( Deneb 45nm )
MSI 890FXA-GD70 (MS-7640)
12.0GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 666MHz (9-9-9-24)
AMD HD 6950 @ gpu:930Mhz / mem:1430Mhz
64GB SSD KINGSTON Hyper V - (OS)
64GB SSD KINGSTON Hyper V - (Working Disk / Page)
500GB Digital Caviar Black SATA6 (Games)
CoolerMaster CM 690 Case
ASUS VH242H Black 23.6" LCD