Clicking on settings tab, screen goes blank

I have a Windows 98SE computer with 256MB RAM and a Nvidia GeForce2 MX/MX 400 video card. This is on a 15 inch monitor and I think the resolution is currently 800x600.

When I go to the display properties and click on the Settings tab, the screen goes completely blank except for a cursor in the top left. I think the computer is still running fine in the background because I can do the keyboard shortcuts for restarting. It will restart fine after displaying some random color letters on the screen for about 3 seconds.

I have tried reloading the latest video driver but no luck. I tried restarting in safe mode and I can to the settings tab fine. Any ideas? Thanks.

 

It sounds as if your video card has gone out. Remove it and replace.

 

Any other ideas that don't require replacing hardware?

 

Also, I had this suggestion on another site. Tell me if it makes sense to anyone here:

"Delete the drivers in Device Manager for the monitor
and the graphics card. Reboot into Safe Mode and
get your Windows98 CD ready...

Start(button)
Run...
type sfc and hit enter
System File Checker will already be selected on
Scan for altered files
change it to
Extract one file from the installation disk
type in desk.cpl
use the Browse...(button)
point to your Windows 98 CD
click Start(button)
when done, restart and install video drivers."