First thing to do if you have a program on linux that will not launch with a gui is type the name into konsole and try to start it from the command line. Usually it will tell you the error right there and then you will have a big hint on what the real problem might be.
For example if it stated such and such lib file is missing, then type the name of that lib file into synaptic and install it. Same thing for an error message for some missing plugin, codec, etc.
It will also tip you off if a folder is missing or file/folder has the wrong permissions.
