I don't know if this topic has been addressed already, but is anyone else having a problem with the spell animations not showing? There are no flames, showing on torches, or when casting a spell. Clairvoyance doesn't show, spider webs don't show up either. They worked fine when I first installed the game, but then they vanished. I have a ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4200, and I have the latest driver update.

Recheck the game box. There is a warning label about system requirements on it, and that PC failed. You have to get a hardware upgrade. If all you have is one laptop, with only that Radeon onboard chip, you need a replacement laptop that has a real added circuit board GPU add-on included. If you get the game running at all in spite of the requirements, you have nothing to complain about.

http://www.gamesas.com/topic/1316509-unofficial-will-my-pc-run-skyrim-thread-56-w-hardware-guide/page__st__60__gopid__19948564#entry19948564

check if you have

[Particles]
iMaxDesired=750

on skyrimprefs.ini.

Hi, thanks for the feedback, I do have 750 in the particles, but I solved the problem. I downloaded this http://www.skyrimnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=2531 and now the flames of effects are showing great.

I see this also..and know the cause for me, and how to fix...for me...

I usually see this during a long session (6-8 hours in) and for me all it takes is an ALT/TAB to clear GPU RAM. I usually either notice the missing flames on torches or my Flame spell is really short.

When alt/tab clears the GPU the flames return. Think the game cuts back on what its showing, to help relieve a bottleneck. That being the GPU RAM for me.