Do you only have trouble with the StartSmart?
IF you go to Start->Programs->Nero, are you able to launch Nero Burning ROM/Nero Express or any of the other programs from there, and do they remain open or close as Nero StartSmart does?
It sounds like a failed install. Did you install from a download off our website, or off the CD?
I would recommend useing the Nero Clean tool on our website @
http://www.nero.com/us/631940828445001.html
to uninstall our software, ANd then do a fresh download of our latest release and reinstall to see if this resolves your issue.
Regards,
Craig