hl2.exe crashing while launching

[kinitex]

Error Signatue:
AppName: hl2.exe AppVer: 0.0.0.0 ModName: steam.dll
ModVer: 2.0.0.0 Offset: 000076c1

When I try to launch hl2, cs:s or deathmatch through steam it crashes before anything loads up with that error above. I just bought the game tonight and installed it.

p4 2.53 ghz
ati radeon 9800 128mb
latest ati catalyst drivers
directx 9c

What is the deal?

 

[[w0f]Oblivion]

try restarting steam

 

[nightmare2013]

Try the suggestions here.

 

[aim_ice]

im getting the same problem, i dont know what is going on either, i searched on my computer for hl2.exe and it didnt find nething, could that b the problem?