I actually have had issues when I first installed the game on my new pc, which runs the vista-32 OS. After a few frustrating attempts I'm actually able to now play the game fairly easy. At first I used the configure option and learned that I could play the game every time without issues as long as I just disabled the sound, but I wanted the whole package. I can now play fine, with sound, using the 'force software' option. Sometimes I get the message saying it's had a problem starting up so I close it, then re-open it and start it without sound then exit and check the 'force software' option again. Sometimes it takes 4-5 times but has worked okay thus far without any issues.
My 2-bits...