The directx9.0c doesn't work for me neither... but i managed to play the sims 2 by reinstalling the windows. After that, the first thing i did was to install the directx9.0c the whole problem was the previous dx9, the version B. This doesn't permit the C version to overwrite a file, and the system believes that U don't have the required DX. one way to see what is your direct x version is to write in "RUN" dxdiag. you will see there what's your version of DX. I'm not from England, so my english is BAD!!!
Hopefully, this was helpful, becouse i had similar troubles with the Need for speed Underground 2. This should have a HOTFIX ( EA GAMES !!!!!!!!!!!)
Seta...
The graphics card dhouldn't do any trouble... it work for all. Search for a different driver... i have some buddies with kinds and kinds of graphic cards and they play the sims 2 like everybody does.. S***, they don;t even have licenses ) i have... don't worry :P