new video card not working correctly

just installed (about 1 week) brand new ati 2600 xt. now the only game i can play is bejewelled2 and when i try to accerlate hardware (via bejewelled) it says video card does not meet minimum req. any other game i try to run either crashes my system or gives a vpu error. system very unstable even when surfing internet. machine… hp pavillion, windows xp sp2, amd athlon 3800, 1G ddr, don't know what other info…tried numerous things to fix i.e…..set pcie as main video adapter, downloaded (i believe) proper chipset drivers for processor etc. please help…thinking about returning and paying the extra $ for ge8800 don't know thanks p.s. was running on a geforce 6200 no problems just getting old, screen going yellow then back to bright.(not monitor…new 26" lcd no probs there)

Typically, factory made PCs come with power supplies that are barely adequate to start. Graphics cards are very power hungry. Use the eXtreme PSU Calculator Lite to determine your power supply unit (PSU) requirements. Plug in all the hardware you think you might have in 2 or 3 years (extra drives, bigger or 2nd video card, more RAM, etc.). Be sure to read and heed the notes at the bottom. I recommend you set Capacitor Aging to 30%, and if you participate in distributive computing projects (e.g. BOINC or Folding@Home), I recommend setting TDP to 100%. Research your video card and pay particular attention to the power supply requirements for your card listed on your video card maker's website. Then look for power supply brands listed under the "Good" column of PC Mechanic's PSU Reference List. Ensure the supplied amperage on the +12V rails of your chosen PSU meets the requirements of your video card. Don't try to save a few dollars by getting a cheap supply. Digital electronics, including CPUs, RAM, and today's advanced graphics cards, need clean, stable power. A good, well chosen supply will provide years of service and upgrade wiggle room. I strongly recommend you pick a supply with an efficiency rating equal to, or greater than 80%. Look for the 80 Plus - EnergyStar Compliant label. And don't forget to budget for a good UPS with AVR (automatic voltage regulation).

Also, graphics cards makers frequently release new drivers - I would check the card's website for a new version and the instructions for installing it.

calculation says 302w power supply….installed 500 watt power supply about 3 months ago….can't remember brand but it is a good one…..drivers for video card are up to date thanks but still have problem

FYI took the ati 2600 back and got a geforce 8600….no prob with intallation….all games run with graphics set to max….I would be hard pressed to get another ATI Thanks for the advice my advice is Nvidia LOL