In case it still doesn’t work, the issue might lie in the lack of the correct DirectX version or a missing DLL. Usually, you will be able to get any old program running with one of the compatibility modes.
To enable legacy software to run on these versions, Microsoft introduced Compatibility Mode. Modern operating systems manage the memory differently, render more colors, and might even have changed the I/O code.
Vista Transformation Pack is probably one of the best transformation packs out there although be warned that it's likely to cause conflicts with programs from time to time.The reason old programs don’t work in newer versions of Windows is that the underlying architecture has changed. The developers have also added a user selection feature whereby if you log onto your PC as a different user, you can select whether you want to transform your XP desktop to Vista. Note that if you're simply updating Vista Transformation Pack, there's no need to uninstall the original - just install the patch. To be fair to them, the Vista Transformation Pack developers advise you to view their user discussion board before installing Vista Transformation Pack to find out about any potential problems as they readily admit that they are not aware of all the bugs it may cause.
Be warned however that some users have complained Vista Transformation Pack changes driver DLLs in XP which make it difficult to remove, or at least, it leaves problems behind when you do so. The transparent effect is hard to emulate, but by combining with Windows Blinds, Vista Transformation Pack does a surprisingly impressive job. Once installed, Vista Transformation Pack makes your start-up screen, cursors, sounds, screen-savers, toolbars, clock, etc.