Windows Vista Game Problems?

I have windows vista, and whenever I try to download a game (such as big fish), it will download it..but when it gets to the "activate" part, a box opens up that says "__ game has stopped working. Windows is checking for a solution to this problem." I've looked it up online, but I am pretty much computer illiterate, so I don't understand how to fix it. Plus, a lot of the problems people seem to be having are with default games, like solitaire, chess, etc. I get this problem with any game I try to download..does anyone know how to fix it? Please keep in mind I don't understand computer lingo...so please try to keep it as basic as possible. Thank you.