Doesn't exactly sound like this is your problem, but if you're playing in true fullscreen, the game will crash any time something else takes focus, like alt+tabbing, locking the PC, or pressing the Windows key. This can be avoided by using windowed mode or borderless window mode. The crashing can also be prevented if your PC has some way to run DirectX8 games using DirectX9 or later. Google can give you more answers. That could also solve the integrated graphics problem that the previous poster mentioned.

You could try NOT running it in compatibility mode because I've never heard of that solving any problems. Also, you could try running from POL.exe instead of through Steam.

If none of that works, try running a file check on the game from the PlayOnline login screen.

Otherwise, good luck!