Could you try running this program before starting the game:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb896647.aspx
Then after you click those buttons a couple of times and close the game, send me the log it generated.
Thanks.
I just logged in today to try out epeli's latest suggestion and I spotted your post. It was very interesting to learn about this utility. Here is my log. Thanks a lot
Additionally, here is the full list of Microsoft Visual C++ redistributables and XNA Framework versions I have installed. Copied from my Programs and Features control panel applet:
Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Redistributable
Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Redistributable (x64)
Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable - x64 9.0.21022
Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable - x64 9.0.30729.17
Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable - x64 9.0.30729.6161
Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable - x86 9.0.21022
Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable - x86 9.0.30729.17
Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable - x86 9.0.30729.6161
Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable - x64 9.0.40219
Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable - x86 9.0.40219
Microsoft Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable - x64 11.0.60610
Microsoft Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable - x86 11.0.60610
Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable - x64 12.0.21005
Microsoft XNA Framework Redistributable 4.0
Microsoft XNA Framework Redistributable 4.0 Refresh
Could it be that I need to uninstall the x86 versions? My CPU is 64 bit.
Removing my config.dat didn't solve the issue btw, but when I started the game a new config.dat wasn't generated. I suppose it's generated once a new game is started? I also noticed that I was able to use the interface elements like checkboxes and dropdowns in the options, but the Accept/Cancel buttons still wouldn't do anything when clicked.