Why can't I access my Sims 3 game launcher? Attention Simmers!?

okay i got a new pc and the Sims 3 for it maybe about a month ago. For some unknown reason, the sims 3 game launcher won't work. When i try to bring it up, it says 'a problem has caused the program to stop working correctly' and then it exits out. i can still access the game itself, but i can't access updates or the exchange. any advice / help? it would be appreciated. :)