Windows 8.1 Fails to Run Correctly After Application Close

Hi Guys,
I am running the latest edition of Windows 8.1 and have recently run into some problems. I have the Steam Gaming client installed on my system with a few games, one of which is Team Fortress 2. However, after I close certain games, that might run in fullscreen, and some don't like Minecraft, I can't open any other programs. Not task manager, I can't even shut down my PC. It's not just Steam items. I have a feeling that my problem might reside in RAM issues, however I am not sure. Please provide insight and advice, thanks.
-Whutchison16

If I understand correctly, games that run full screen when you close them there is something still taking the whole screen. No task bar or upper portion of the screen is visible and can't even access the Charms Bar to shut down if need be.

I have a few games that do this and I use Ctrl + Alt + Del to access the Task Manager to shut down the process and regain control of my system.