Not able to play Mafia on my laptop is it because of LS3D engine please answer

Mafia has problems related to compatabilitiy with GPU drivers (mines NVIDIA 76oo GS, with driver from 2006 but it still doesn't like it) and it has operational system glitches with windows xp sp1 home edition. I get no further than a window showing LS3D engine with a black screen then the window disappears, so we may be having the same problem.
I'd recommend updating any graphic driver for your graphics card and make sure that version of direct x is compatible with your graphics card also.
Any problems after that then you should contact the help and support number that came with your copy of Mafia. In the UK I got my copy from sold-out. They have a helpline for these types of problems. If you cant resolve the issue with their help, then you should be entitled to a refund, but they shouldn't be able to get rid of all the bugs relating to your (and my) machines compatability.
HTH.