Thank you for your reply sylvia! I have actually updated my Desktop Utilities to 3.2.7.084a because the original stopped working after I updated the BIOS.
My BIOS info is here:
BIOS Version: SIX7910J.86A.0594.2013.0806.2241
BIOS Release Date: 08/06/13
Motherboard: DX79SR
I still just get the loading screen. As noted before, it may be related to this error while installing Desktop Utilities: "Error 1401 Could not create key \SOFTWARE\Intel\Desktop Board\QST Control. Verify that you have sufficient access to that key or contact your support personnel." Also, take note that I did set all related keys in the registry to Full Control and I haven't had any errors like this with any other software I was installing.
Maybe I should've heeded the warning not to update my BIOS unless there's a problem. I just like to have the latest firmware for all my tech. Anyway, hopefully this issue can be resolved.