Did you try re-installing? If you have Windows XP, did you install the patch from an account with administrative privileges?
To re-install the game, zip or otherwise backup your saved games folder to another location first, just in case. Then un-install, re-boot, shut down all non essential programs (especially anti-virus), re-install the game, perhaps start the game (though not one saved under v1.34) and see if the problem persists (usually not necessary, but would help identify problems cause by the patch), re-boot, shut down all non essential programs, install the patch, re-boot, shut down all non essential programs, start the game. This procedure is a bit over-cautious, but the best way to avoid install problems.
Troubleshooting and Manual Install Procedure