L4D2 Engine Error please help

[๖ۣۣۜLegion็]

Okay so when I load up L4D2 I get a vague Engine Error that reads "Steam is not running. You must start steam in order to play this game." even though I'm starting it up from Steam itself. I'm making this thread out of desperation, as I've literally tried every solution there is with no success. I'll even list them as I'm sure it's everything.

So far I've:
Verified game cache
Uninstalled and re-installed L4D2
Uninstalled and re-installed Steam
Deleted all files in steam except for Steam.exe and Steamapps and re-downloaded
Tried various launch options
Any other solution you can find through google.

Is there anyone out there who can fix my problem? Not even Steam Support could help me. Where is the hero I deserve?

[Cathulhu]

https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=9828-SFLZ-9289&l=
https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=6057-YLBN-1660&l=

Any security software running on your PC? Doesn't have to be on the list i just linked you. Ideally, post a list of software installed on your PC.

[๖ۣۣۜLegion็]

I've went as far as uninstalling my security software and disabling Defender and still nothing. though I will add that it stayed "loading" a little longer before crashing with the same error. that must count for something.

[[SVK]The_Arth@s]

Did u solve it somehow ? i got the same problem O.o'?

[๖ۣۣۜLegion็]

Originally posted by SVKThe_Arth@s:

Did u solve it somehow ? i got the same problem O.o'?

i eventually did fix this problem, however as it has been 4 years, i don't remember what the solution was. I wish you the best of luck on your endeavors though!