Anyway...I do really wish I could help you. But, you're right, short of someone being actually there to take a look at your system, I don't know how much help we could be.
Here's an idea: assuming you have a digital camera, how about taking a picture of your computer - most importantly shots of its motherboard and any identifying logos, model numbers, etc. - and then posting it here for us to see? Maybe then Esmer, aTOMiC or other keen computer minds can get a better idea of what the heck kind of a system it is and what you need to do. Just my 2 cents.
