I had a problem similar to this.  The problem turned out to be the monitor.
I had a 14" clone monitor with a 1 meg PCI video and couldn't get 800x600
but got 1024x768 okay.  I switched to an IBM 15" monitor and had the same
problems.  I now have an NEC Multisync 15" with the same video card and am
running fine at 800x600x1M.
-----Original Message-----
From: Will Stephenson <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Tuesday, March 17, 1998 8:42 AM
Subject: [PCBUILD] Not enough color in my life


>Hello!
>A frustrating problem...
>Stats:
>Acer Entera w/P133 (non intel) chip. 1.2 G HD, 16 MB of RAM, 4X Toshiba
>CD-ROM, Sound Card and 33.6 Cardinal Modem
>Problem: I can't get the beast to give me 640 X 480 resolution and at least
>256 colors.
>What I've done so far:
>1) changed monitors (both Unknown, but both capable of supporting what I'm
>looking for on other computers
>2) changed video cards (both have at least 1MB of RAM)
>3) In Display Properties/Settings tab, I am allowed to choose any
resolution
>up to 800 X 600 with up to 24 bit color.
>
>If I use a resolution/color combination anything above 640 X 480 at 16
>colors the icons look scambled and the computer locks up after the first
>interaction with the desktop, and only a hard reboot can correct the
>problem.
>I have reinstalled both the monitors and the video cards numerous times.
>I have prayed and cursed, danced and screamed...nothing!
>Any ideas? Thank you very much.
>Will Stephenson
>[log in to unmask]
>
>Will Stephenson
>[log in to unmask]