I have the exact same issue, and EA Support is no bloody help.  They keep telling me that it's my graphics card causing the issue (that it isn't support, or the drivers are not up to date.) Although it's true that my card isn't one listed as supported (nVidia 9300 GE) the drivers are all up to date.  Furthermore I don't see how a graphics card can even cause an issue like this.  If anyone does find the answer please post it, maybe then I can tell EA how to actually fix it so they won't be such ignorant dumbasses