It works on Windows 7, but you have to install the game to the public folder located at C:\Users\Public or else saves will not work.
I put mine in C:\Users\Public\Games\Black & White
As for your creature, I always start off with the Ape because it learns things the fastest. I teach it the miracles I want it to know then i use the 3rd party app to change my creature to something else. I usually go for the Horse cause he runs fast ans is naturally more inclined to be nice, like the Cow. If I feel like I want something a bit stronger I'll go with the Lion as it's a pretty good balance for all attributes. Something else well rounded is the Brown/Polar Bear.
The Ogre, while kinda cool, is really, really stupid. It will take ages to teach it anything, even longer than the Leopard which takes a while as it is.