Dell Inspiron 1100 Video Woes

Hi.

Recently I upgraded the BIOS on my Dell Inspiron 1100.  I upgraded it to 
A23.  Now, when ever I try and use Linux (right now I'm trying SuSE 9.0, 
but it did the same thing with Mandrake 9.2) If I try and use 8 bit 
color, then it outputs at 1024x768.  If I choose 16bit color it only 
displays at 640x480.  If I choose 24bit (which I've always used in the 
past) I'm told that my BIOS doesn't support that mode.  I read of some 
other people with similar problems, but couldn't find a solution.  My 
video chipset is the i845.  I would greatly appreciate advice.  Until I 
get this solved I'm having to use Windows XP Home.

Thanks for the assistance,
Joshua Rogers