Why won't games created by Gamemaker 8.0 lite work on Windows 7 on my Dell?

[BAM1224]

When I open Gamemaker 8.0, it works fine, but when I try to run a game I have created, it opens a pop-up that says "Failed to initialize drawing surfaces. Please check that your graphics card meets the minimum requirements and that your drivers are updated. If your graphics card has little memory, try switching your computer to a lower resolution." I tried setting the screen resolution as low as it can and the same pop-up appeared. Then, I updated all of my drivers and the pop-up still appeared. Finally, I deleted some programs that I didn't use and the pop-up still appeared. I have googled everything about graphics cards and nothing helpful appeared. Now, I have resulted in joining my first forum to ask you guys for help. So... please help me! I'm not gonna let $95 worth of classes on how to use this program go out the window.

[Joey]

Hello Bam,

What graphics card do you have?
If you are not sure you can test it at the website below.
Here is the link to the site: http://www.yougamers.com/gameometer/10447/
This picture show you what to click to test your PC: http://k.min.us/idmGqk.png

Don’t mind the site testing the game compatibility with Sims Medieval. The cool thing about that site it that the majority of the time it will tell you the exact graphics card your PC has. No need to download anything.

[BAM1224]

It is a standard VGA graphics adapter.

[Joey]

If you have updated everything and it still does not work then it seems like you need to upgrade your video card.

I checked out several forum threads on the Youogames site (makers of GameMaker) and they are recommending to upgrade your graphics card if you have that problem, even with graphics cards that are a little bit faster and newer than standard VGA adapters.

Here is one thread I read...
http://gmc.yoyogames.com/index.php?showtopic=483522

[BAM1224]

I don't know how to upgrade my graphics card. 

[Joey]

To upgrade your graphics card you have to buy a new card.

I assume you have a Desktop on not a laptop?

If you have a Desktop open it up and see if you have an available graphics card slot open. Below is a picture of a computer motherboard. I point out what the PCI Express x16 slot looks like:
http://k.min.us/icg1Wk.jpg

Then if you have one available I recommend going on the YoYoGamers.com forums and asking what is a compatible graphics card that will work in Gamemaker 8.0 lite at your price range.

[BAM1224]

Ugh, hate buying new computer stuff. Thanks Joey! You've been an awesome help.

[Joey]

You are welcome