Weird Sims Issue-Help!

[ksright]

I am having a weird problem with my Sims 2 Deluxe, and Sims Castaways. Everything loads great, and I can play the game fine. My problem is the handtool, when I try to pick things up (ie. buying things) the item never appears in the hand. This is so annoying, I had this problem with Sims Deluxe, and when I bought Castaways I never thought I would have the same issue....but alas, I do! Does anybody have any ideas?