Sound loop and graphics error

Tonbou

I finally got Left 4 Dead running on my computer properly, but whenever I finish the first half of a level and the 2nd half loads my sound starts skipping, I get tons of lag so I am unable to move, and the graphics don't load properly(walls are missing and turning blurs everything together). I thought it was an issue with the pool paged memory because at first I was crashing and getting the "failed to lock vertex buffer in CmeshDX8" message; I tried fixing that in the registry, but no go. I no longer get a crash, but the game remains locked in this unplayable state. I have updated my drivers for catalyst and Directx 9 so I don't think it's an issue there. I should be able to run the game well enough because I can play the first half of a level, it just becomes unplayable in the second half. The odd thing is I can always play the first level that's selected, but after reaching the safe house for the first time and the game loads the next part and goes into this state. Here are my specs.

Intel(R) Celeron(R) CPU 2.26GHz (was previously overclocked, but set back to normal)
Memory: 1536MB Ram
Page File: 1058MB used, 2632MB available
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)

Graphics Card
Radeon x1600/1650 Series
Display Memory: 512.0 MB
Current Mode: 1280 x 1024 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor: Plug and Play Monitor
Monitor Max Res: 1600,1200
Driver Name: ati2dvag.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.6879 (English)
DDI Version: 9 (or higher)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 10/28/2008 20:22:02, 314880 bytes

I also tried changing my 'rate' in the console to 30000, but still nothing has changed. Anyone have any ideas what could be causing this?

I will be upgrading my CPU later this week because it's a bit low, but that doesn't seem to be the problem as the game runs fine at first. Also if it helps I downloaded the game off Steam, I didn't install with discs.

tonster

1. update all drivers
2. reinstall direct x
3. enjoy

i'm guessing this is a direct x error. try it, wut have you got to lose?? :P

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Gaming, it's wuts for dinner :P

BcThrillKiller

first of all, try lowering all your graphic and resolution 800x600 setting's all the way. and see if it still happens. before we move on.

BcThrillKiller

also you realize they were havin problems with processor running really high with the game. I not sure if they fixed it. i still get a crash every now and again. I know its not my settings because hold fine for hours playing it. but then sometimes she will just crash 15 min into the game.

Tonbou

Tried 800x600 and no dice. Full screen and windowed mode make no difference as well.

Currently trying to update drivers and whatnot again.

Tonbou

Re-downloaded the November 2008 redistribution of Directx 9 and still the same. Really have no idea what's going on. Tried in Versus and I can play the first level of No Mercy on Infected and Survivors, but when the subway level loads the sound skips and it slows down to a near stop.

Tonbou

Reinstalled drivers and made some changes in the bios to the video card and that problem is solved, but now I am getting this problem. Server disconnects on level 2

and yea I'm upgrading to a P4 3.0, Celeron so out of date