For posterity, same problem and deactivating "in-game" resolved it for me too.
Instructions:
http://sims4.crinrict.com/en/2014/09/deactivate-origin-in-game/
Your graphics chip is too old, too primitive. It simply is MILES below the minimum. It's not a real card, at all, so there may be an empty add-on slot to accept a real card, if it's a desktiop box. The rest of the hardware might be equally inadequate, it'll all be so very old now.
https://help.ea.com/article/simcity-system-requirements
Video:
Players will need at least a 512 MB video card featuring either an NVidia 7800 or better, an AMD chipset of at least an ATI Radeon HD 2x00 or better, or an Intel Series 4 integrated graphics or better.
***NOTE: All the above-mentioned must also have a minimum of 256MB of on-board RAM and Shader 3.0 or better support.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102994
It is essential to the game’s performance and stability that the latest possible drivers for your video card are installed at all times.
goraththeelder is absolutley right. I wasn't ready to go there because this issue has happend to people with more than capable cards.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-card-review,3107-7.html
nVidia Discrete: FX 5200 (64 bit) Go (mobile): 7200, 7400 (32-bit) Integrated: 6100, 6150, 7025, 7050 = ATi Discrete: 9200 SE Integrated: Xpress 200M, Xpress 1000, Xpress 1150 = Intel Integrated: GMA X3000, X3100, X3500
It's really ouch ☹️
