Hi ElfQueen,
Hubby and I just went into Sims 3 and found that we're having the same problem. = Go to start a new game, select town, and the New Game button was grayed out. So we're doing some testing to see if we can figure out what the problem might be.
I will update this post when I know more.
*Edit - A few minutes later*
We found what the problem is. To play a new game; click the new game button, select town of choice, and then click the checkmark in the middle of main menu. Then things should run smooth from there.
So yeah.... I apparently haven't played a new game in awhile. *Giggle-Blush*
MrsFlynn