phnuff,
It is very possible that it was a bad video driver. With WinXP you can set your screen to Plug and Play Compliant and no further drivers are needed. Your Video Card is a different story. It is best to have the latest drivers from the Video Card's Chipset Maker.
Let your local guru download the proper video drivers for you. Then make sure you set the screen to the the resolution that is native for that screen.
Take Care,
Richard