Depends on the game and why it isn't running.
Which games are you talking about? System requirements for games "made for Windows 7 and 8" are all over the map.
Are you talking about games on DVD with DRM that is now blocked by Windows 7 and 8 as well as 10 (thanks to Microsoft).
Or are these downloaded games from Steam or GOG or Humble or Fireflower or Gamersgate or another online retailer?
What are the specs of your laptop?
What video card?
What processor?
How much memory?
If you don't know the specs, does the laptop have a model number we can look up?