RAM issues

I tried installing a 128 mb stick of SDRAM, which is what my pre-installed sticks are, but I came across problems.

After installing it, computer started up just fine, 384 megs detected, windows worked great, yay!

But then I restarted. While logging onto windows, the computer completely froze, so I shut it down, and removed the ram, thinking it was the problem.

So I remove it, it says memory was lost, which was obvious, but then the computer froze while windows was starting up.

So then I restart again; bios doesn't even load. So yet again I restart, and this time, the monitor doesn't come on.

So I pull the cords out of the wall, wait a minute, then tried agian. It started up with a frozen screen, but after pressing tab to display sys messages, it started up fine, and has been working since.

Anyways, I just wanna know, wtf is wrong with my computer?

Couple Specs:

550mhz Intel P3 - Gateway
256 MB SDRAM
Made in 1999 >_>

Also, how do I update BIOS? That could be another problem; I'm running off a version that was created in 4/22/99.

 

Try looking around for drivers of your gateway model. If you can't find drivers for pc model, find out the motherboard model and do another search for bios updates.
I wouldn't say the bios is the cause of the issue, the stick of ram is more than likely the problem.

Are you running 98 or ME?
ME is one of the biggest mistakes MS made, there are so many issues with it.

 

I'm using XP

This is where Everest took me for BIOS:

http://www.phoenix.com/en/products/default.htm

I don't know what to select though.

 

i would goto your motherboards manufacturers website for a BIOS