Thanks, InlandAZ for all the info. I received a link from Runaway Int.(patch.111). I first uninstalled the entire game,then, updated my drivers (most recent update from Nvidia released 7/10), reinstalled the game, and lastly downloaded and ran the patch.
Starting play from the beginning. Hopefully this sequence of steps will be the ticket. I won't know until I arrive at that magical moment in Chapter 3. Stay tuned !

Let us know how it goes -

FYI - game now works like a charm! I'm well into Chapter 4 and truly love the Runaway series.

Glad you go it sorted out -

This game has been on my radar for some time - I've really got to get a copy.