Portal/Ep2 Directx Error

[Arryl]

So, I bought Orange Box today, installed it, Wanted to play Portal, but it goes to the menu loading screen and then crashes out of the game, stating I need Directx 8.0 to play it. But I knew I had 9.0 at least on my comp. So i went and downloaded Directx 9 again and installed it, still got the same error. I tried Episode 1, and it runs fine, Episode 2, also get that same Directx Error, haven't tried TF2 yet, as its still downloading. Anyone else run into this problem? or anyone have any idea how i can fix it? Thanks.

 

[Rapstah]

Specs.

 

[Xendance]

My guess is a DX7 card.

 

[Arryl]

So if it is the specs, how can i solve this problem without being in the game?

 

[Narvi]

The menu screen loads up a background map with things happening. If you can't run it, it'll crash.

 

[taiiat]

just post specs, then its easier to help

 

[Arryl]

Well its more then likely a video card problem, i'm assuming. I'm running with a Nvidia GeForce4 MX, which is old so it's prolly my problem.
Is there a way I can turn down the graphical quality in the game so I can run it, without being in the game?

So I've got a problem with my other computer, and if i can get it running, I'm sure it'll run Ep2 and Portal no problem. I had to reformat it a while back, but stupid me didn't realize that i had to burn the drivers off the HD before I did that, so I didn't have any drivers for it. I've found most of what I need online, but for the life of me can't figure out how to get the Network Card working. Its an eMachines, motherboard: MSI MS-7207, not sure if i need drivers for it that I can't find or what I'm doing wrong, any ideas?