Notebook's widescreen monitor not working...

[lurkergrrl]

I just got a refurbished Gateway notebook running Windows XP Home.  It has a widescreen monitor.  But the display isn't widescreen, it's just normal-sized (there's big blank space on the right that's not being used).   In the display properties thing, there are only two options for screen resolution -- 1024 X 786 and 800 X 600.  So I went to Gateway's chat support.  The support guy said that the problem is my video device can only handle up to 1024 X 786, and and that if I want to use my widescreen monitor, I'll need to upgrade my video device.  Now, I like computers and all but I have NO IDEA what that means.    Support guy says I have to contact my retailer for more info on that, but my retailer (globalcomputers.com) doesn't do tech support.  So before I throw in the towel and ship this back to Global, do any of you kind folks here have ideas???

[Fed]

You could try updating the video drivers from the manufacturer's website, they may give you more resolutions to choose from.

[lurkergrrl]

You could try updating the video drivers from the manufacturer's website, they may give you more resolutions to choose from.

I already tried that, and it didn't help.  

[Raptor]

Why would they sell you a laptop that can't live up to its promises?

Is there still warranty on it?

How did you install the original drivers?

[Rob Pomeroy]

Your Gateway guy is a cretin.  "Upgrade your video device" - what nonsense.

Please post the model number of the laptop.  Is this an external widescreen monitor you're talking about?

[patio]

"Cretin"....hee hee hee

patio.