I am also a college student using this for a Computer Science class. My problem is almost identical to the problem reported in this thread and resulted in a 'B' grade in a lab. Everything was successful until I attempted to execute a Simulation task.
The messages in the message window reported that the simulation was successful but the graphics were missing in the window that should have contained the resulting bar graphs of the time intervals for the individual pins. That window was empty and the software was reported as being non-responsive.
I also was treated to a continual display of a charming little hour glass where my cursor should have been. Additionally, the Windows task manager reported taht Quartus was chewing up about 25% of my processing power.
It is too late for the lab..and for this class but I am curious as to the cause of this problem. I did a similar lab during spring semester with total success (and a grade of 100% on the lab).
Hoping to satisfy my curiosity.
michael