PLEASE HELP ME

[Simbacat]

Hi...........I just bought a new PC with Windows System 7 on it and I cannot get the Sims 2 to run.I thought I should try the Sims 3,but I want to make sure I can run it before I spend $50.
My old computer ran the Sims 2 wtih an unsupported video card for years without a hitch.the current card I have is apparently unsupported by the Sims 3.....but I wonder if that really matters?
my system specs:
8 GB of system memory
1 TB hard drive
ATI Radeon 4350 HD with 512 MB of onboard memory
Will this run the Sims 3 or am I to be forever Simless?I don't have it hooked up tot he internet so I can't go to Canyourunit.com.
Please please PLEASE help me.I need to know one of two things>can I run the Sims 3 and if not,how do I get the Sims 2 to work on it?I AM BEGGING.

[sim323]

Have you ever ran through a problem like this before on other games? Nice to meet you!