HI. I had the same problem. I have XP as well. First, go to
www.windowsupdates.com and make sure your computer is up to date. Then.. type in on search from the microsoft homepage directX 9 update, when you get there download directX9 the updated version. First I should have asked if the game would install at all? if so leave it on there, you can click on this quick info tab and it will tell you why it isn't working and what you need to update. I ended up having to update my video drivers and download directX9.. then I had to go get more memory because it does not play well with with less that the 256. Hope this helps, it was a big pain figuring it out, but it worked.