Did you try running it in compatibility mode? That's about your best shot really, use XP SP2 compatiblity. Right click on the thing, hit properties, and then you'll see the tab.
Well as i heared it's possible to downgrade back to xp (which is, to be honest the ONLY solution) but if the laptop/pc is built for vista, you will have to accept certain limitations.
Just save all valueable data, format and install xp.. but before, make sure that there are ALL needed drivers available for xp