After a new patch, it asks to verify files before going past that loading bar. Sometimes (for me) that asking window ends up behind other windows. Alt-tab around and see if perhaps it isn't visible?
Champion 50s (blueside): Marc Bridge, Nicole Bridge, Fred Blaze, Colleen Storms, Sun's Chariot, Moon's Huntress, Point of Pride
Guardian 50s (redside): Connie Mand
AE arc: Spirit Plane Invasion, #29282, @Honbrid
Can you add -console to your "Extra Command Line Parameters (Advanced)" (right click on the game in NCSOFT Launcher and select Properties) and run the game (will not fix anything, but provides more information) and copy and paste the results here after you get stuck?
You can click on the upper-left corner of the console window (on the City of Heroes Icon in the title bar) and do Edit->Select All and then Edit->Copy to copy the contents of the console window.
Also, does using -noverify in the "Extra Command Line Parameters (Advanced)" allow the game to run?
so CoH updated/downloaded a patch today, and ever since it did, it freezes when it tries to start. i get the little "loading" bar, but then nothing happens. is anyone else having this issue?