Engine fails to start with "BeginFrame failed"

[jnm]

When I try to run the demos, or when I try to preview a level in the engine, it fails. The D3DDrv.log says lots of stuff that looks fairly normal.... and then,

D3DMain_GetSurfaceFormats: Unable to find a 888 (24-bit) texture support.
D3DMain_GetSurfaceFormats: Unable to find 556 (16-bit) bump map support.
D3DMain_GetSurfaceFormats: Unable to find 888 (24-bit) bump map support.
--- D3DMain_SetRenderState ---
--- D3DMain_GetTextureMemory ---
Ram free: 61514112

** Initialization was successful **

THandle_CheckCache: Resetting texture cache...
NO 3dfx card detected, using larger number of handles...
THandle_CheckCache: Resetting texture cache...
NO 3dfx card detected, using larger number of handles...
D3DCache_AdjustSlots: Out of ram creating surfaces for cache.
D3DCache_AdjustSlots: Pick a display mode with a smaller resolution.
THandle_CheckCache: D3DCache_AdjustSlots failed for TextureCache.

I've tried smaller resolutions, but to no avail.

The RealityFactory log says,

Preparing to Launch Game...
CRFMenu::GameLoop() - Setup and Run Level
CRFMenu::GameLevel() - Entering Inner Game Loop
CGenesisEngine::BeginFrame failed

For some reason the "Asylum" game (which is made with RF) works ok, but I can't figure out why. And yes, I have updated drivers. Machine is Gateway Solo 450 laptop, 1.2Ghz, 256mb RAM, Mobility M6, Omega drivers, Win XP SP2.

I know the BeginFrame error is often caused by user textures not being the right size and all, but that's not what's going on here. I'm just trying to run demos, and preview a 1-room level that uses textures that came with the engine.

Please help! I'm tearing my hair out trying to just get the basics working.

Jared

[hike1]

Might be something in the rffaq
http://terrymorgan.net/rffaq.zip