[limabifrost]

I've not had Norton for years so can't remember exactly what to do, but if you want to see if that's causing the problem, you could close it down (there may be a pause function if you right click on the icon in the bottom left) and try loading up the game. If it works ok then the firewall's the problem. Try this, let us know, and we can work on from there.

Just remember to turn it back on when you're done testing Spore as otherwise you may get viruses etc..