Video card?

Hi all

3 days ago my son had to disconnect one of my monitors "to get to the modem back panel". He elaft monitor unplugged, so when I started computer, and replugged monitor, all things started going bad.
For one, right hand monitor started shutting itself down every about 10 seconds. I swapped video card outputs, it didn't help. I assumed, that monitor went bad and bought a new, HD one.
Installed it Friday night and it all worked well. Both monitors were recognized in control panel/device manager and I could adjust settings at will.
This morning, I turned PC on, it worked fine, and I let it idle for some time. When I went back to using it, both displays were in "single display" mode - both showing same picture - and in very low resolution. I went into resolution adjustment, and found that now both monitors are recognized only as "generic non pnp monitor" and I have major issues with changing resolution.
Restored PC to 3 days ago - same thing. Uninstalled and re installed video card drivers. Same thing. PC will not recognize either monitor - before, it clearly showed Acer and Benq monitors with according ability to adjust resolution etc.
DO I throw towel in and replace video card? This one is about 3 yrs old anyway. I do not mind, just do not want to go for 40 minute drive to Fry's if it's something simply in s/w.