Sims 2 DirectX error message

I have been using this laptop for a while. I used to play the Sims 2 with no issues what so ever. Than my computer crashed and I had to get Windows XP Home Edition. After reimaging my computer, I reinstalled the game and it no longer worked. Now everytime I try to start the game an error message comes up that says, "Failed to find any DirectC 9.0c compatible graphic adapters in this system! Please make sure you have a DirectX 9.0c compatible graphics adapter and have installed the latest drivers provided by the manufacturer. The application will now terminate." I know it can't be a hardware problem because the game used to work on this same computer. I have tried downloading several things but at the end of the download they always say they cannot connect to the system or something? And, the ones that do work do not make the game work still.
I am not at all good with computers so please use dumb talk with me, lol. I've tried everything, I really need help.

download the directX update http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...38-db71-4c1b-bc6a-9b6652cd92a3&displaylang=en, then re-install your graphics card drivers, ill post in the morning as it is late here....FoReWoRd out!

That message most often means that windows can't find the video driver for you display device. In such case, Windows installs its own "generic" VGA display driver which is why you can still use your display (but is not good enough for DirectX functions so in turn always results in that message)

Reinstall your graphics driver

If that doesn't work, try "re-seating" your graphic card inside your computer