Ok, sorry if it seems like I disappeared.
Yes, I uninstalled the old drivers.
Yes, I am aware that my graphics card should be compatible, but as Joy [is it ok if i call you that?] said these graphic cards can just up and die on you if it's old. I have had mine for quite some time.
Lastly, my Direct X is fully up to date. I just can't upgrade to Direct X 10 because I don't have Vista.
Alas, I have solved my problem by buying a new graphics card which works perfectly for Sims 2 and every other game on this computer.
Thanks for your help.