Can't run 32-bit mode

I'm running Win98 SE.

Recently, my computer has frozen while the screen saver was on. Both times
the message indicated something was wrong with a 3D module. The second time
it happened I had to hit the re-set button to reboot and left the computer.
When I came back, it was off.

I started it up but got a message that Windows hadn't finished starting the
last time the computer was turned on so I was prompted to start in safe mode
but chose normal instead. I rec'd a message "Problem with your display
settings. Adapter type is incorrect or the current settings do not work on
your hardware." I hit OK which restarted the computer but only so far as a
black screen with "window loading.." It never loaded; it froze.

I hit re-set and loaded in safe mode. I looked at my Display
properties/setting but the only option was 16 colors 640x480 pixels. I
cancelled and restarted the computer.

Computer started to reboot but after a minute or two of a black screen it
shut down by itself.

I started again in safe mode. It automatically took me to the Display
properties box with a message over it:

"At this time, display properties settings are limited to trouble shooting
changes only. Next time you start the system the display will be set to
640x480x16 color mode, custom refresh rates will be removed and secondary
displays will be disabled. After you have restarted successfully, you will
be asked to change your driver or make other setting changes. Choosing not
to continue will retain your original display settings. I chose to
continue. Told to restart the computer, I did. It did. I went to Display
properties and noticed that the 32-bit option was gone. I chose the 256
colors 800x600 option. But when I tried to reboot I again got a black
screen with "Windows restarting" message, but eventually it booted up.

At the Display properties box I noticed that under the web page tab, which I
never use, there was an unchecked box for View active desktop as a web page
and one underneath it that had
http://www.thememoryhole.org/pol/bush-hitler1.jpg. I have no idea where it
came from so I deleted it. At the settings tab, the 32-bit color option was
back. I chose it and restarted. Again, got the black screen with the
frozen "Windows restarting.." Message. Waited 12 minutes and re-set.

In safe mode I again got the message about "At this time, display properties
settings are limited to trouble shooting changes only. Next time you start
the system the display will be set to 640x480x16.." Restarted in 16-bit
mode.

Booted successfully and again tried to change to 256-color but again the
windows restarting message froze.

Any ideas of what's happened and how I can fix it?

Bob Griendling