KaliSilat: In addition to changing compatibility to Windows XP SP3 or Windows 7, I found a solution on an unrelated thread.

Open Control Panel, then Programs, then Programs and Features.

To the left is "Turn Windows features on or off." Click that.

You'll see a box marked "Legacy Components." Click it to open it, then check the DirectPlay box.

This worked for me. It's a legacy game. It needs legacy components. Hope this helps!

Vaeleron: This small change finally made the game work for me! Thanks! I tried every other suggestion on these forums, and had given up any expectation of playing SFC. For some reason, I decided to check the forum today, and saw your note. Tried it, and BAM! - able to run using my primary driver at 1280 x 1024 resolution. Have only tried skirmish, but have already had far more success than other fixes.