Ok an update on the situation. I don't know why its saying that or why its all screwed up. I've been able to get into the game menu several times now, but its looking like getting past the crash is luck. Most of the times it crashes, and I don't know what the problem is. I just know that its possible to play the game on my comp, but I have to get past this issue.
Well, I never thought I'd say this but it works now. Turns out the basic vista problems sticky was the last part I needed. Thanks for your help man