I found several methods on various forums.
Some people solved it by updating all drivers and DirectX, some people solved it by reinstalling the game, some people solved it by installing the game to the HDD with Windows if had multiple HDDs, some people solved it by deleting file called "vidcfg.bin" in the game folder in steam folder and then replacing it with empty file renamed to "vidcfg.bin"
I personally solved various engine related problems with HL2 by lowering graphic details a bit. When I had everything maxed out, it crashed, when I lowered some of the settings, I can play.
These problems are simple there and nobody knows for sure what's causing them.
I found another solution, but this one can damage your computer.
**If you decide to try it, you're doing it on your own risk, you hear me? on your own risk.** :-D
http://www.neoseeker.com/forums/5571/t752500-failed-to-lock-vertex-buffer/2.htm find post by "blitz 10101"