I don't know how old your laptop is or how up to date it is.
Has it got .NET Framework 2.0, DIRECTX9
Perhaps it might be worthwhile downloading and installing this little free program that conducts a complete Audit of your PC.
I have it installed on all my machines and it is very enlightning
Here is the link if you want to give it a go:
http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html
MikeP