**UPDATE**
Well I was hoping that someone (some peps) had read and repled to this thread by now, however seeing it's Sunday I know the board doesn't get as much Traffic as usual so I will just update everyone on what I have done.
I installed XP Pro on a sep part....
I dl'ed the Omega Drivers (latest) and installed them, along with the DX 8.2 (upgrade, was using 8.1), and I installed Half-Life and the latest Patch, and not matter what settings I use in HL the screen is "very dark". Ok, here is a bit of info that may help someone help me, I can take a screen shot and open it, and it looks normal. I don't know what that means exactly but I know it's something.
Well I will keep a eye out for all the input and suggestions.
Thanks, RIP
PS .. I can do a SS and post it if someone will tell me how