I figured it out! I was just trying to connect to games that had already started (with the green circle).

Well, good job)))

After scouring both Russian and English forums, I can confidently say that fixing the game directly on Windows 8 is practically impossible – install a virtual OS, and all your problems will go away (personally, I used Oracle VirtualBox).

That's why I use XP64 and have no problems. Of course, games with DirectX 10-11 are not available to me, but I don't suffer because of it. And it consumes less memory for some unclear super-necessary features and joys of life.

But I am glad, honestly, that you managed to do it.

By the way, 98% of players in GameRanger are complete newbies. I advise you to /topic/10980/ arrange matches with players here (last page). Or, you can play there, and after your skills improve from playing with GR, come here))