I have just re-installed the Sims 2 on a reformated computer that I have used for the Sims 2 before. Installing the game went fine and start up was fine but when I entered a neighborhood the viewing camera is by default stuck in what would be the CNTRL + RIGHT CLICK location (A.K.A. Camera spins around and nothing else) This was the first problem and it can be fixed by pressing control again however I think the problem is deeper than that. When I tried to place an empty lot or house I could click on the house but the lot or green/red outline never appeared, the cursor didn't change either. I noticed the same thing in build/buy mode where I can click on objects and the hand appears but no object appears. I have installed the game twice now trying to see if it would help but no dice yet. Any suggestions?

When you reformatted, did you remember to install all of your device drivers?