I recommend to install an uptodate graphics driver. Then try to use the latest sdl-library (
http://www.libsdl.org/release/SDL-1.2.13-win32.zip ). Just put the sdl.dll in your dominions programs folder.
If this steps don't help I would check the Memory (takes a while) with the Vista "Memory Diagnostics Tool". Just look in your Startmenu for this one.