Half Life Episode one- Driver error

[the_final_straw]

So I bought episode one, now i've finished my a-levels (long story) and, as with all new technology, I got errors. Specifically:

IDirectsDDevice9:: Present()
As the first level begins to load.

Before you all ruin my day and tell me I need a new computer, I will point out that Portal works just fine, if thats of any help.

I looked on the website for help, but to be honest, I couldn't make heads or tales of what they were talking about. I also went and updated ATI catalyst, I think the video driver, but I wasn't sure if I should update all of what was possible on the site.

Again, Im not very clever. Any ideas?

 

[the_final_straw]

clucking bell... i just dowloaded directX 10, to see if that would work... but all it seemed to do was to load up to the error faster.

 

[the_final_straw]

its a good thing i've backed up all my files, what with the crap im installing to get this thing to work

 

[the_final_straw]

im having a problem with the direct X june update- i don't know where to install it. i think i'll put this is a new thread

 

[the_final_straw]

Ok- im getting annoyed now

Heres what I've done so far
I've installed driect X 10
I tried to install updates, but was told the system was up to date
I've installed ATI Catalyst™ 8.6 Display Driver for Windows XP Professional/Home Edition. although that may not work, because my computer uses ATI Raedon X300/X500/X1505 Series, but I don't know what that is.
I tried to install omega driver someting files, but that just resulted in a near melt-down and i re-installed ATI Catalyst™ 8.6 Display Driver for Windows XP Professional/Home Edition, which worked

Then I went into Half-life and changed the display to 800 X 600. That got me as far as getting the gravity gun, but it was stuttering and complainig all the way. Then it crashed with the same error.

Any ideas?

 

[McGooTheWise]

I have an idea, use the edit button.

Do you have steam?

 

[the_final_straw]

lol, point taken.

i do have steam.

And an update- I loaded from a saved game and got as far as being chucked into the citadel. Then the shading went off and the game blue screened. And I had to restart, the usual 'windows had recovered do you want to send an error report blah blah blah'

 

[McGooTheWise]

alright, had to make sure... Did you check game cache? Sometimes that can help, though I severely doubt that this is the problem, can't hurt.

Make sure you have a direct X 10 compatible card before you install direct x 10. If it isn't compatible then you will get errors such as these. If thats not the case, then just make sure that you have given every little detail and every bit of history about the problem, it may make it easier to help you out. Too often problems like this go unanswered, or unsolved. Make sure you give every detail.