I know taht you don't want to hear it but... use DosBox.
It's simple:
1) open DosBox
2) type "mount c: c:\pirates\" (change "c:\pirates\" with path to your pirates folder). Enter.
3) type "c:". Enter.
4) now just start the game like you would do it in command prompt ("pirates.exe" or however the *.exe files is named)
if the game runs slow use CTRL+F12 to speed it up or CTRL+F11 to slow it down. ALT+ENTER for full screen.
note: if picture does not appear right when you set it to full screen open dosbox.conf with notepad and change
fullfixed=false
fullresolution=800x600
to
fullfixed=true
fullresolution=640x480 (or the resolution that fits the game best)
enjoy!
