Problem: Game crashes right after intro
Cause: The CD copy protection is not finding a CD ROM drive.
Details: Certain drivers, particularly virtual drives cause the SafeDisc CD-ROM protection to fail.
Solution:
Make sure you have updated to v1.01 or later. Contact support@ubi.com and let them know about this. There is a test version of the game that has a different protection method that they can provide you.
You can also contact support@stardock.com. For additional support options look at the last page of the manual for The Political Machine which provides additional support channels.