@rubysunn First, try running the Super Patch to fully patch your install. Even if you have before, it might repair something that's off with the game.
https://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/175477/official-ea-download-link-for-the-sims-3-cumulative-manual-update#latest
If that doesn't help, try updating your graphics card driver, which is from 2016. I don't think HP offers a newer one, but Intel does.
https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/29313/Intel-Graphics-Driver-for-Windows-15-40-?product=84697
Just as a warning: Some HP laptops have software that blocks install of non-HP-approved drivers. If you get a message to the effect of you can't install this driver on this laptop, just back out and let me know.