The Sims 2 "unexpected error" on Windows Vista

Er... hello!

Im having trouble playing my Sims 2 game on my new PC.

Intel Core 2 Duo Processor E4500
<LI class=indentFeature>2.2GHz, 800MHz FSB, 2MB Cache Genuine Windows Vista (R) Home Premium
2GB Memory
360GB Hard Drive

• 128MB NVIDIA GeForce 8300 GS Graphics
• Dual Layer DVD Rewriter
• 6 USB connections
• 8 in 1 Media Card Reader
• 22" Widescreen Monitor

I know there are lots of people with this problem, but cant find any solutions... it worries me a little that il prob have to same prob with all my pc games

nonetheless i have a ps2 and xbox to console me until i get it sorted.

Anyway- it installed fine, then when I go to run it, it states "unexpected error"...

Is this because it may not have installed directX9? i didnt remember it asking me to install it? should i find out if it has or not?

Ive also tried changing the compatability of the program by going to properties etc ( and ive tried all of the options to no avail)

What is left to do? short of giving up!

Ps. the Sims webiste I found useless!

please help if you can