can't log in to save my life

[[compactwelve]]

I've been spending hours trying to fix this, but to no avail.

The problem: Whenever I started up xubuntu, I'd get a gray, blocky login screen and whenever I tried to log in, it would kick me back out.

The fixes I've implemented: removing the .config directory, cleaning the .cache directory, purging and re-installing xserver-xorg's ati drivers, purging all XFCE packages and reinstalling them

Now the computer boots into "low graphics" mode by default and when I try to boot it, it just hangs there and nothing happens.

Strangely, though, if I go into failsafe mode, drop to root shell and type "startx", xfce works like a charm.

I am completely puzzled. What do I do now?

Version: Xubuntu 10.04 LTS

[[compactwelve]]

update: we've made some progress. Installed xubuntu-desktop and now I have the login screen back. Still though, I get kicked out and my mouse doesn't seem to work. I also have a strange debian wallpaper now (although, I won't lie. It looks pretty nice)