I am aware that the game has compatibility issues with Windows 7
They do not.
I am aware that .dll files are associated with DirectX
Not necessarilly. This one, for instance, isn't.
It's not a Mass Effect error but a computer error. More info here: http://pcsupport.about.com/od/findbyerrormessage/a/ssleay32-dll-not-found-missing-error.htm.
Also, will reinstalling Mass Effect solve this issue?
I think so.
Thank you for the advice. I reinstalled Mass Effect, and opened it in compatibility mode. However, the same error message regarding "the necessary file ssleay32.dll is missing" still pops up. How can this be fixed? Is it perhaps a flaw in the disc?
Have you tried the other suggestions on that webpage I linked to?
I downloaded Ccleaner, ran its registry repair service, and then Mass Effect worked. Thanks for the help!
Same with me here... nothing works; the game does not start - even in any compatibility configuration I tried.
Therefore I'm maybe lucky that I have bought the game via Origin yesterday as I am now going to claim a refund... Hopefully it will be granted.
[edit]
Maybe we are able to find some "cure" here: http://answers.ea.com/t5/Mass-Effect-1/ssleay32-dll-missing/td-p/1436216
