Oh, I've seen this issue once before. I think if you alt + tab out of the game and then try relaunching it while its already open, the issue should be fixed?
The workaround let me play the game, so thanks for that. :) The first/slow opened game is still there in the background, though, and makes my laptop fan cranky, not to mention still needs to be closed once you finish playing. Again, if I can be of any help in allowing you to pinpoint a more permanent fix let me know; thanks again for your help.