Err, wasn't paying close enough attention in the first post...
you need:
Code:
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Sony\EverQuest\eqgame.exe" patchme
Making a shortcut to everquest.exe causes you to patch files, which means you now need to uninstall EQ, delete the install folder completely, and then reinstall again. Then use the shortcut as I have it above. It needs to point to eqgame.exe, not everquest.exe which is your problem.