Hey there!
This is an issue with Windows, and I had it too.
For me, im running on Windows Server 2012 (and for the sake of running applications is basically the same as Windows 8. Same Compatibility layer at least.)
You can fix the issue in a few easy steps.
1.) Find your install directory
By default steam should install it at:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\SteamApps\common\Universe Sandbox (For 64-Bit Windows)
or
C:\Program Files\Steam\SteamApps\common\Universe Sandbox (For 32 Bit Windows)
2.) Find 'Universe Sandbox.exe' and open its properties with right-click.
Once here you should see a window with sever Tabs, such as General, Compatibility, Security, ETC.
You want the compatibility tab. Once there, Check the box for "Run this program in compatibility mode for:'
and select Windows 7. Now you're done in properties, hit "Apply" At the bottom and close out.
3.) Create a shortcut on the desktop to your EXE (Right click Universe Sandbox.exe and Send to > Desktop (Create Shortcut)) and delete the link Steam put there, as it won't follow the compatibility options we just set for the exe.
Cheers and Good Luck!
-Remadon