really weird Sims 2 problem with my Vista

so i installed the sims 2 on my computer and also, the patch for it.
i went to play it and when i try to open a neighborhood or make one, it doesnt work. it starts to load then freezes and gives me an error message saying "Application has terminated. This application will now close." I dont know what else to do with it. I have uninstalled and tried again, many times, and still nothing.
I have purchased this game, not downloaded it illegally, I promise.
Does anyone have any ideas?