I think both versions I have are the 2001 version, and I did use the 3 patches
How do you launch yours?

I have the GOTY Edition and did not need to use patches or other tricks to even install the game. If you have version 1.4 you should be able to install and play the game without issue.

If you are starting with the original release and not the GOTY you will need to patch it. Use the following link for patching to version 1.3 which was specially made to install on 64 bit machines.

https://mega.nz/#!iJwxSBBb!WizSyU-Y3hdq3-kmbQvDyDoBtahhHJv6xaRqkItXvnw

Then you will need to update to 1.4 which can be found below.

https://mega.nz/#!mUZUnS5I!Kn5QSDzB3-_rjOLvw27HsbRXu2c6n1vPZYI35MRdOio

edit

64 Bit installer... if you need it
https://mega.nz/#!aV4EQTrT!u8-pF7vsqn-btqi9_vpfLDOF9KlK9qvFZmrLUmxGOG8

installing those makes the screen flash twice when I try launching it but it still doesn't start =s

One of the shortcuts says I'm missing mss32.dll, is that important? The other 7 shortcuts don't tell me I'm missing that

Alright, a few questions.

Do your game discs say that they are the GOTY Edition?
What file path did you install NOLF on?

Disregard the first question, Are your install discs full color or blue?

They're orange and black, my full color ones have a file on them that can't be read
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Monolith Productions\No One Lives Forever\NOLF.exe"
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Monolith Productions\No One Lives Forever\lithtech.exe"
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Monolith Productions\No One Lives Forever\English\NOLF.exe"

Yes, you need the 64 bit installer and both patches as those are not the GOTY Edition cds. Uninstall the game and reinstall in another directory as installing in Program Files on WIn7 can cause issues.

It's still not launching or telling me mss32.dll is missing =/

wow, that is a new one on me. it , might be easier to get ahold of a GOTY Edition if the problem cannot be figured out.

This might sound odd, but the dll file should be in the NOLF installed folder. Drag and drop that file directly into your shortcut for NOLF. I have seen this done with other games and them working afterwards.

How do I make something permanently not read only?
Installing it on the desktop makes it read only and it reverts back anytime I change it
It doesn't ask me for the CD when I try launching it, either

Dropping the file on the shortcut still tells me the file is missing, on the other shortcuts the game just fails to launch like normal

You'll just have to search for a fix for the missing mss32.dll error. I've never had that problem so I cannot elaborate anymore. Sounds more like a windows issue than a problem with the game. Like I stated before I have the GOTY Edition and have it fully working without patches or other fixes involved.

The thing that I don't understand is that it used to work just fine with these patches until a year ago, and now no matter how many times I reinstall and fiddle with the compatibility it just won't launch

The game's absurdly expensive to buy from all the scalping
I'll just try buying a windows XP computer, it'll be far cheaper

Thanks for helping! =)

Sorry that a solution couldn't be found. Not really sure what to tell you as I never had issues with the error you are talking about for any game. I still think that it can be fixed, just not sure what the issue truly is.