D3DERR_NOTAVAILABLE

[Shern]

I've had the D3DERR_NOTAVAILABLE error for about 8 months now. The game worked fine for about a year and a half but then this came up. I have the latest drivers and reinstalled DirectX just recently but it didn't help. I have also removed custom content and the My Documents user files. DirectX Diagnostics says everything is fine. I have University and Nightlife. It crashed occasionally with University and almost right away with Nightlife. Here's my error log. Please help me!

[caffeinated.joy]

It would help if you posted your computer specs and tell us what EP's/SP's you have.

[Shern]

The only eps I have are University and Nightlife.
My Specs:
Windows:               Windows XP5.1 (Build 2600) Service Pack 2
Internet Explorer:     7.0.5730.11
Memory (RAM):          959 MB
CPU:                   AMD Athlon(tm) 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 3800+
CPU Speed:             2002.4 MHz
Sound card:            Realtek HD Audio rear output
Display Adapters:      NVIDIA GeForce 6150 LE | NetMeeting driver | RDPDD Chained DD
Screen Resolution:     1280 X 1024 - 32 bit
:                      
Network Adapters:      NVIDIA nForce Networking Controller #3 - Packet Scheduler Miniport
CD / DVD Drives:       E: LITE-ON DVDRW SHW-160H6S
:                      
COM Ports:             COM3
LPT Ports:             
Mouse:                 3 Button Wheel Mouse Present
Hard Disks:            C:  224.6GB | D:  8.3GB
Hard Disks - Free:     C:  125.2GB | D:  599.3MB
USB Controllers:       2 host controllers.
Firewire (1394):       1 host controllers.
:                      
Manufacturer:          Phoenix Technologies, LTD
Product Make:          ER900AA-ABA a1430n
:                      
AC Power Status:       OnLine
BIOS Info:             ATAT COMPATIBLE  020906  HPCPC  42302e31
Time Zone:             Central Standard Time
Battery:               No Battery
Motherboard:           ASUSTek Computer INC. NAGAMI
Modem:                 Agere Systems PCI-SV92PP Soft Modem

[caffeinated.joy]

Have you:

Made sure you have the most recent version of DirectX?
Downloaded the most recent video drivers?

If I'm not mistaken, you have integrated graphics, right? That could be part of the problem.

[Shern]

Yes, I have downloaded both.
I don't think that's the problem. The game worked fine for over a year with the same everything and I had no problems until a several months ago.

[caffeinated.joy]

It could be that your graphics card has given up the ghost.

[Shern]

So, I should upgrade my graphics card? But then why is Sims 2 the only game I have problems with?  What ATI should I get? Is there any other way to solve my problem than getting a new card?