s3trio64

hi all,
i dunno if this is the right forum to be asking this (and if its not, i dont
mind being told where to go), but i'm very new to linux and xfree86, etc. i
installed my first linux system 2 days ago (like i said VERY new).
the problem is i'm having trouble with the S3trio64+ vidio card in the
system.
i cant get the full screen show properly while running the GUI, it looks
like a horizontal sync problem, but trying different horizontal synx rates
makes no real difference. about the top 25mm (1") of the display seems to be
all screwed up.
i just through together an old system to try this on, so if tossing the card
is the best fix, i can handle that.

thanks, any help would be much appreciated.

            ..Jack..