Strange video problem while playing games

[Verizon_DSL_tech]

I've got this problem when playing games... It's hard to explain but it's like the characters/objects in the game stretch to the entire length of the screen in random directions. I've seen it in FarCry, LOTR: The Battle for Middle Earth & Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay. I don't have anything overclocked. I have the latest video drivers (Tried Omega drivers but they give me problems before even getting far enough to test the games). To see what I mean, refer to the following screenshot I took from Riddick: www.albilad.net/whirlwinddesign/riddick.jpg
My computer specs are as follows:
CPU - P4 3.0E Prescott
MoBo - Asus P4S800
Memory - 512MB DDR PC3200 Micron Technology
Video - 128MB DDR ATI All-In-Wonder 9800 Pro
HD - 120GB+80GB
PSU - Aspire Clear-Top Dual-Fan 500W
CD-RW - 52x24x52
DVD-RW - BenQ 16x DL

 

[folken]

Are you using the catalyst control center?
If so, uninstall it.

<A HREF="http://www.folken.net/myrig.htm" target="_new">My precious...</A>

 

[Verizon_DSL_tech]

Actually I just installed the Catalyst Control Center the day before last. I was having the problem long before installing it. The reason I installed it was to see if it would resolve the issue, but it didn't. I used to have just the regular ATI Control Panel.

 

[folken]

Hm... Have you ever or is your video card currently overclocked? Put RadLinker on there and see what happens if you underclock your video ram just a tad.

<A HREF="http://www.folken.net/myrig.htm" target="_new">My precious...</A>

 

[Verizon_DSL_tech]

No, never overclocked my card. Overclocked the system before, but now it's back to stock settings. Is it possible that I overclocked the system too much and damaged my card? Possible but not likely?
Also, I've never used RadLinker before. I downloaded/installed it, but I don't want to damage anything. "Core" is set to 378.00 & "Memory" is at 337.50. What is a recommended/safe setting I could underclock to?
Thanks.

 

[mrface]

yeah thats stock settings.

just underclock the memory slowly and see if the problem goes away, you wont harm the card any and can always set it back.

I work therefore I am conservative.
<A HREF="http://www.cameronwilliamson.com" target="_new">-={Psychotic Sociopath.}=-</A>

 

[Verizon_DSL_tech]

I tried a little experiment... I have a 2nd hard drive that has a fresh Windows installation on it. I booted to that one and installed just the latest Catalyst drivers, installed Riddick, and it worked perfectly! That tells me the problem is software related. Nothing wrong with the hardware. That makes me so happy! I was just looking for one more reason to format my drive, and here it is...

 

[mrface]

well there ya go, congrats

I work therefore I am conservative.
<A HREF="http://www.cameronwilliamson.com" target="_new">-={Psychotic Sociopath.}=-</A>