Launcher will not launch minecraft

Today I tried to play minecraft, after opening the launcher it started an update. The bar would not fill all the way up but after a few minutes it would disappear as if finished but the "Play" button would be available to click. I have re-opened, re-downloaded and still no results. During these 'updates' my router would not detect any traffic, which tells me its not doing anything and no information is being sent or received. I am at wits end and in need of help, because I cannot play.