If you want to try using XP's compatability mode:
1. Find the EXE file the shortcut points to.
2. RIGHT click on the EXE and choose PROPERTIES from the menu.
3. Click the COMPATABILITY tab and click in the COMPATABILITY MODE box to enable it.
4. Select 'Windows 98 / Windows Me' mode from the drop down selector box.
5. Click APPLY then click OK.
Now try the game again. You can try the other option of disabling visual themes as well.
This is NOT guaranteed to work though, but at least you'll know where XP's compatability setting is
DrA.