I am having an awful time trying to get Riven to play ( it won't ) does anyone else have this problem? if so do you have any suggestions of what to do? I am so disappointed.

I guess you understand that with so little details it will not be easy to help you ;)

First of all, what OS are you using? If Linux (any flavour) I might be able to help, otherwise you’ll have to wait for someone else more versed on the arcanes of other OSes.

Solutions here:
http://www.gog.com/forum/myst_series#1448318514

Check the bold text at the end of the first post here: http://www.gog.com/forum/myst_series/w10_broke_riven. Changing compatibility settings as described got the game running for me.

Thank you all for your help,but now the COG techs are helping so fingers xd!!!!!