First, make sure that your system meets the minimum requirements (specifically, a 2MB video card). If this is true, then try the following:

1. Make sure that your desktop is set to at least 800x600, 16-bit high color and that you are using the latest driver for your sound and video cards.
2. If this does not correct the problem, lower your video hardware acceleration to “basic”:
   - Right-click "My Computer" and select "Properties"
   - Pick the "Performance" tab
   - Choose "Graphics"
   - Lower “hardware acceleration” to basic.
3. If this does not correct the problem, you will need to modify the shortcut to The Sims to enable DirectX 3 compatibility mode. Note that some graphics (such as roofs) will not work. To do this:
   - Browse to the Program Files\Maxis\The Sims directory (or whatever directory you've installed the game to), right click on Sims.EXE, drag it to your desktop, and select "Create Shortcut(s) Here".
   - Once you have the shortcut on your desktop, right-click on it and select Properties.
   - In the ‘Target’ field it should say "C:\Program Files\Maxis\The Sims\Sims.exe" (or the path to whichever folder it’s installed to).
   - Add the following to the end of the “Target” line:
   " -nodx6 -skip_verify -skip_intro -w"