langras: When i start the game this is what i see.
You appear to be starting with 0 civilians. How odd.
Is this a single-player campaign mode game? Or is it a non-campaign match?
Be sure your settings aren't at 0 citizens for starting citizens (I don't think they can be, really).
I don't often say try reinstalling, but maybe try reinstalling to a non-default location. And close out any programs you might be running.
I could imagine that a peice of RAM got overwritten incorrectly or an install file somehow got messed up.
That's all I can think of right now.
Oh yeah -- and be sure to do all of your compatibility mode settings and run as admin, too.
(edit 2): Also, the game is not listed as Win 7 compatible. Are you running on Win 7? It might still work, but it might be more difficult.