Maxtor VC, Digital 17" Monitor, screen shrunk

This is problem this 17" monitor has had for a few years.
The screen looks like a 15" monitor. I have lost 2 inch
on each side and 2 inches off top and bottom.

The problem is that you cannot adjust it using the monitors
panel. I have tried choosing different settings for the
monitor in the display properties, plus the advanced settings.
Nothing.

I know it has to do with the video card. This PC was bought
used with no drivers.

Here are my questions. It's going to sound dumb...
If I remove the video card settings and the card itself, this
will mean I have no video card. Is there a default driver for
monitors and do you have to have a video card?

I want to be able to test the monitor without this maxtor
card. I don't know how old the card is, if I had to guess,
its at least 4 years old. I tried downloading drivers for it,
but still nothing changed the settings on the monitor.
Is there a huge difference between a maxtor VC and just
the default video card driver. If so, is it worth my time
trying to get the maxtor card to work? At this point,
I just want to be able to have a full 17" screen.

Please help,

Thanks,

Kim.

 

change your refresh frequency; try lowering it.

 

Thank You! I wish I found this message board years ago.
That was the problem. After lowering it, I was able to
adjust the monitor settings. I now have a full screen again.
Yes!

What the heck is a refresh rate anyway? It seems to be
an important detail not many people know about.