Help with Dead Space

I've downloaded and installed Dead Space two times and I get this problem everytime I try to start the game:

Dead Space.exe has encountered a problem and needs to close.

This is honestly irritating. I haven't been able to play a single second of the game.

I run the shortcut, the screen goes dark grey (with timer icon), then turns black, then the screen shrinks to the top left of the windows screen and the error message is displayed. Unplugged anything that may potentially be causing an issue, but no success.

Can anyone help out? I really want to play this game. Thanks alot.

I'm running a windows XP, and I don't think I have one of those Asus Xonar cards.

With windows XP, I can't change to any specific setting, I only can change to basic or something. I have played around with all the sound settings and I can't get anything.

Edit**
If it helps, my system does NOT meet the requirements, but that shouldn't be a problem. My system could run Crysis, even though a bit laggy.