If you see an error message mentioning "DirectX," "DirectDraw," or "3D Acceleration" when trying to launch your game, it means the game is having trouble talking to your graphics card. Below are a few different things you can try to resolve this issue.
Enable "Legacy Components" (For Older Games)
Modern versions of Windows turns off the "old" version of DirectX by default. You need to turn it back on so older games can find it.
Press the Windows Key on your keyboard and type Turn Windows features on or off, then press Enter.
Look for the folder titled Legacy Components and click the [+] to expand it.
Check the box for DirectPlay.
Click OK and let Windows install the files.
Restart your computer and try the game again.
Update your Video Card Drivers
Outdated video drivers can cause a long list of problems—games not launching, crashing mid-play, or graphics that look less than what they should. Keeping your drivers up to date can prevent, or fix, many of these issues.
Below are two easy ways to update your video/graphics card drivers.
Option 1: Update Using Windows Device Manager
If you’re not sure who makes your video card, Windows can usually handle the update for you.
Type Device Manager into the search bar on your taskbar.
Click Device Manager from the results.
Expand Display adapters.
Right-click your video card and select Update driver.
If Windows finds an update, install it and restart your computer when prompted.
Option 2: Update Directly from the Manufacturer
If Device Manager doesn’t find anything—or you already know your video card’s manufacturer—you can download the latest drivers directly from their support site:
Downloading drivers directly from the manufacturer is often the most reliable option, especially for newer systems or gaming-related issues.
Reinstall the DirectX End-User Runtime
Sometimes the "translator" files are missing or corrupted.
Go to the Official Microsoft DirectX Download Page.
Download and run the dxwebsetup.exe.
This will scan your computer for any missing "legacy" DirectX files and install them automatically.