Which Dell computer?
Presumably you are running a version of Vista; if so which version & which service pack?
Why do you mention a virus? I am not aware of a virus capable of directly damaging hardware. I do not know everything, by the way.
Did you install the OS, or load the OS from an image, then install YOUR programs?
Were the programs you installed from commercial CDs, or some other source? If they were from CDs you made [ perhaps downloaded a file, then burned a CD, or downloaded a file, then copied to a flash drive ] if you had a virus, the virus could have come along for the ride, so to speak.
Multiple possible causes.
Malware
http://forums.techguy.org/malware-re...e-problem.html
Device Driver problem
http://www.vistax64.com/general-disc...bad-image.html
Check with Dell for the latest video / graphics drives & instructions for installing them.
RF123