I call this "Clock-Block". A guy in my first match suggested that we open the clock (small clock icon in the lower right hand corner of the screen. Intended for replay) and move it to the right. I couldn't build anything or really do anything until I fiddled with the clock and closed it. After that I was able to build.
Press the 'End' key to skip to the end of time. When you are not at the end of time you will not see your commands happen. Because they are happening at the end of time or 'current' time. Or in other words, you can't issue commands in the past you are viewing.
I have had the same problem as dslayer but also shortly after the game has stopped saying waiting for other players to land it has crashed.