Can't use WoW since 3.1

I've downloaded the the new patch, but since then all I've been able to do is bring up the news item window (forget it's technical name at the moment) before it loads. Once I'm sure it's done all it should need to do I hit play, get a momentary hourglass then nothing.

Any ideas other than the tribe of gremlins that follow me around wreaking havoc with whatever technology I come into contact with? I wouldn't be surprised if it was them. They are darn persistent, and really annoying when bored.

Thanks in advance for any help.