Assuming you are using Windows 10/11. Make sure you have the latest drivers installed, make sure you reboot your computer. Also reinstalling steam might help.
It's also possible that the game depends on some Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables, problem is that I don't remember which, that you need to check it out, anyway it's not bad to install as many as possible.

maybe one of below:

Visual C++ 2005 (x86)
Visual C++ 2008 (x86)
Visual C++ 2010 (x86 și x64)
Visual C++ 2012 (x86 și x64)
Visual C++ 2013 (x86 și x64)
Visual C++ 2015–2022 (x86 și x64)

a package all in one maybe, from a website like this maybe: https://www.techpowerup.com/download/visual-c-redistributable-runtime-package-all-in-one/

oh, I think the game depends on DirectX 9.0c Runtime
look it up:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=8109

DON'T FORGET TO UPDATE VIDEO DRIVER - VERY IMPORTANT

oh... check also your antivirus, some antiviruses block this game... i allowed mine in malwarebytes just to be sure...


worst case scenario reinstall windows
p.s. game works fine on my windows 11 up do date.

Thanks. Will try it out

yes

Al lot of people have had the same problem when starting the game from the library. Try making a shortcut to the desktop and try starting the game that way. C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Quake Live
Then right click quakelive_steam.exe and send to desktop.