Try the compatibility wizard, Start\All Programs\Accessories\Program
Compatibility Wizard. If that fails to resolve it, try using a DOS boot
disk. Most DOS games have instructions for such things or try www.bootdisk.com.
You should realize DOS applications are a dodgy issue with XP and games that
need to access the hardware directly have a particular problem as XP does
not allow that, hence, the only choice for apps that won't load or games
that won't play is a DOS boot disk that has the appropriate commands for
memory management as well as the drivers for soundcard and CD-ROM if
necessary.