When I try to launch RCT2, whether from the shortcut or directly from the .exe, it gives me a "loading" cursor, then nothing happens.

Have tried:
- Compatibility Mode, going all the way back to Windows 2000.
- Disabling visual themes, desktop composition, etc.
- Running as administrator.
- Disabling read-only.
- Adding the .exe to the DEP list
- Restarting the computer
- Re-installing

The program is not installed under Program Files.

Here is the first chunk of my dxdiag:

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System Information
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Time of this report: 12/23/2013, 14:55:15
Machine name: WONKMAN-PC
Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit (6.1, Build 7601) Service Pack 1 (7601.win7sp1_gdr.130828-1532)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Acer
System Model: Aspire M3470
BIOS: BIOS Date: 11/21/11 19:54:50 Ver: 04.06.04
Processor: AMD A8-3820 APU with Radeon(tm) HD Graphics (4 CPUs), ~2.5GHz
Memory: 6144MB RAM
Available OS Memory: 5524MB RAM
Page File: 3144MB used, 7900MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows
DirectX Version: DirectX 11
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
User DPI Setting: Using System DPI
System DPI Setting: 96 DPI (100 percent)
DWM DPI Scaling: Disabled
DxDiag Version: 6.01.7601.17514 32bit Unicode
-----

I have the same problem, although this occurs in Windows 8.1 64bit.

I just brought it and thinking about returning it if there is no solution.

EDIT: found a fix.

Downloading Direct X 9 and setting it as Windows98/Me Mode will make it run. Hopefully that fixes the issue to anyone.