I am assuming your graphical desktop will not start. What has to be done is to run xf86config to build a working file that defines the hardware on your system. You will need to do a little research. You will need to know the specs for your graphics card ( or chip set ) and need to know the some details for your LCD monitor.
That probably sounds a little difficult, but if you take it a step at a time, write down what you know, you should be able to get it working.
If you have a windoze system that boots on this hardware, take a look at the windows settings, and driver information. It may well tell you what you need to know. You can also go to the manufactures web site and look up the hardware specs on the system you own.
There is a good tutorial on this site. Here is the link.
http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...ticle&artid=16
As you learn, or get stuck, come back and ask questions. The more detail you add, the better the answer.
Once you have the GUI running, Mandrake has graphical tools to help you set up the system.
Hope this gets you pointed in the right direction.
