I seem to be unable to initiate dialogue with companions. Attempts with Imoen and Minsc at the start of the game always result in a message of "NPC has nothing to say to you."

Admittedly it's been a while since I played BG2, but I'm rather sure this isn't normal. Does anyone have any notion on what the problem is or how to fix it?

The problem exists with BGT and various mods/fixes, as well as the basic mod-free game. Quick saving/loading has no effect. Importing a game, importing a character, and making a new character have no effect. Verifying the installer and re-installing have no effect.

Installation details:

Fresh install from the current GOG package
Not installed to Program Files or the standard GOG location
Base game, no mods
Windows 8 Pro x64, UAC off

Not the way I remember it, but oh well. Thanks.

I think this is normal for unmodded BG1+2 but there are mods to add in player initiated dialogue.

e.g. BG1 NPC project - adds banters and romances (all optional components) as well as player initiated dialogue for BG1 (under tutu/BGT)
NPC Flirt pack - can initiate flirts with your romance partner in BG2

Not sure if BG2 banter pack adds player initiated dialogue or not.