This takes me back. I've had this a million times back in the day, but I can't remember how to fix it. I have a few suggestions though.

If you're running in Pure Dos Mode, ie. Dos 6.22 - check that you have all the options correct in the setup.exe for Doom 2. Make sure you have the correct soundcard selected, with the correct IRQ, DMA and port.

Doom 2 runs with a very small ammount of conventional memory, so available memory is not a problem.

The only other thing I can suggest is to re-install it. That error may come about by a corrupt WAD file or a file might be missing. In which case, if the game is downloaded, try and download a clean version. Try not going for a zip, get the CD-ROM version or even better the original 1.44mb floppy images and write them to disks.

Another solution you can try is to download TeamTNT's "Boom" source port. This shows up as Doom II ver. 2.0 and runs in pure Dos mode. You can then copy your original Doom II IWAD file to Boom's directory and try that particular engine. I personally prefer the "official" floppy version as I like using my Ultrasound. Boom tends to use the Allegro sound library and I just prefer Id Software's original setup program.

NM, I managed to get it running. I wound up replacing the copy I had with an older version and all is well now.

Yep. Sounds like the wad file was corrupt. It happens.

Who needs an updated Doom 2 anyways? The original release was perfect. I suppose they updated stuff with a patch but probably just network stuff.

No, there's some level design changes too. MAP02 is an obvious one for example, check out the bars for the first switch.

Also, all source ports for Doom expect v1.9 wad files at the least. It is imperitave that you should update your game

I remember that I've never been able to update mine. The updater says the doom2.exe differs from the original. I tried every available version but no luck. However, every port works.

Use the Doomsday engine: http://www.dengine.net

This is the best detailed Doom-port ever. It uses 3d models (!) remixed sounds, musics and high-detailed textures. You need only the original wad files. Download the 1.8.6 version + the add-ons and you can play it on the net with your friends via directIP-connect.

I think he's trying to get his Doom II to work rather than use a port. The problem with ports is that they often ruin the vanilla bits like physics and even monster behavior. Only a few retain a "pure" Doom experience.

And even that purity is only partial.

The ONLY way to play Doom 2 is the original game, preferably in DOS if possible but I suppose DOSBOX is more of an option for most people, with mouse and keys in the dark on your own. With headphones.

All this GL super bloom mip-map DOOM source crap is just NOT DOOM!

Gee you don't have to be so anal about that. There's also this and this. The latter one even supports OpenGL.

There's only one port with close-to-proper GL support, and that's JDoom/Risen3D. Others are unjustifiably inefficient (with the honorable exception of Doom Legacy) and screw up really bad on lighting and alpha blending.