I just got the game and patched it. The first time I ran it after patching, it works perfectly, but the next time I ran it, it just shows a black screen with the cursor (from the game).

Anyone knows a solution for this?

Sounds like a graphics driver or Power Supply issue. Can you provide specs?

Processor:
Intel Core2 Quad CPU @ 2.40GHz
Memory:
2048MB RAM
Video Card:
NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTS

All my drivers are updated.

Hi,

Are you able to play other games? Have you tried re-installing? Also, have you tried removing your video drivers with a driver cleaner and re-installing those? Worst case scenario is a dying or under powered Power Supply.

Ok, I got it working now. Got some help from an EA supporter (!)

I updated DirectX - I found the end-user runtime (November 2008). NOT the websetup. Then I re-installed the game, patched it again, and it worked...