on start up i get an error that says can't set mode trying 640x480x8 i hit ok then another one pops up with can't set mode to 640x480x16 i hit ok for that one and then i get a setmode failed err=-2147467263 and after that it comes up with the do you want to tell microsoft about the program that just crashed
ruining xp pro

That's fine, i was just kidding :)
I'm real sorry to ear that. Just like Rallack, i also didn't find anything similar to your problem other than the linux related information he already mentioned.
I guess you'll have to wait for support to get back to you on this one.

I had the same problem I Win 10. I fixed by changing the compatibly setting to run the game is 640 by 480 and setting the colour mode to 16.