Full-screen doesn't work on games/video

[DigiPix]

When trying to launch games that run in full-screen it starts up, then
minimize itself, leading me back to the desktop.
It still runs in the background apparently, but it will minimize right back
down when I click it again. No error message at all. It used to work fine
until about a month ago.
I have no idea what caused this and how to fix it, anyone got any idea? =/

 

[Charlie42]

When trying to launch games that run in full-screen it starts up, then
minimize itself, leading me back to the desktop.
It still runs in the background apparently, but it will minimize right
back
down when I click it again. No error message at all. It used to work fine
until about a month ago.
I have no idea what caused this and how to fix it, anyone got any idea? =/

It would be better for you to consult the game developer's support pages,
but here is my guess: The games in question are not supported on Vista. This
can be remedied by downloading patches from the makers (if there are any).

Charlie42

 

[DigiPix]

Oh.. oops, I forgot to mention that it never used to happen. I know my
friends who are using Vista both can run the game just fine. The game itself
used to work fine for me too. I thought it was just that particular game that
acts up with my computer, but then even full screen on youtube doesn't work
anymore, it just gives me a half white half gray screen.
The other game does the same thing.. so I began to think it's my computer.
Changing the resolution of my screen doesn't work either. I'm not computer
literate so I haven't really try anything else.

Long post. +.+ but I should've given more details..

 

[DigiPix]

It's a desktop.
And what you've suggested.. well I would try it. Only I don't know exactly
how to do that.

 

[Charlie42]

It's a desktop.
And what you've suggested.. well I would try it. Only I don't know
exactly how to do that.

I agree with Shawn, this sounds like a hardware/driver problem.

First, find out what make and model graphics card you have. This information
is often conveniently printed on a sticker on your computer. Alternatively,
you should be able to extract it from the manual(s) or the computer
manufacturer's support site.

Next, go to the manufacturer's drivers and software download pages, and get
the most recent driver for your card, then install it and reboot. Although
the computer manufacturers offer downloads for their models, it is generally
better to look for recent releases on the card manufacturer's web site.

Or post the make and model of your computer and graphics card, then we can
probably point you in the right direction.

Charlie42

 

[DigiPix]

ATI Radeon HD 2400 pro, and it's Dell inspiron 530s
I got confused on what I have to download...

 

[Charlie42]

ATI Radeon HD 2400 pro, and it's Dell inspiron 530s
I got confused on what I have to download...

For Vista 32-bit:
http://game.amd.com/us-en/drivers_catalyst.aspx?p=vista32/common-vista32

I forgot to mention a tip in my previous posts: You could do a System
Restore to a point in time prior to the problems. I doubt there are restore
points that old though.

System Restore - Turn back time on your PC:
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/0e3a6bed-e3fa-4d5e-8635-39d5b5ccfdaf1033.mspx

Charlie42