I have tried using compatibility mode with no change. My screen will flash and then it shrinks down to my task bar, i can click it but my screen just blinks and shrinks back down.

Any ideas?

A possible video problem?
Try the the advice from here: http://www.gog.com/en/forum/total_anihilation/resolution_fix_windowed_res_fix_inverted_colors_fix_flickering_bars_fix

I can't even get that far. I get a message that says"
Error: Environment Initialization failed. Check Direct X settings.

Any idea how to get around this? I've already tried the TA resolution fix and it didn't work. I also downloaded the old Direct X patch from June 2010, but still no luck. I'm not sure how to even find the direct X setting sin Win7 (XP was much easier)