re-installed windows now have problems

[mop11]

I wish I could have a big do-over and not have re-installed windows on the hand me down laptop I just got ...
I'm an average computer user and got bad advice that this was going to be easy.
The re-installation went okay, but when I inherited this laptop I was told all the disks are in the case, and I believed him. ha!
The problems I'm now having ...
problem 1:
the screen looks like it is in safe mode (but isn't) big icons, fuzzy internet graphics ... when I in display options the most it will allow me is 16 bit color and 640 x 480 pixels and I know I had more options before. On another thread it advised to delete anything under display adapters but the only thing there is standard pci graphics adapter and deleting it doesn't help, same for the advice about monitors. It recommend re-installing the drivers for monitor and video card but I don't have those disks and I don't know what monitor it is (the laptop is a clone) and I don't know what if any video card is installed.
HELP!
problem 2:
there is no driver installed for the DVD-ROM, says so when it boots up, but will let me use some cd's but not others, then I get a message "illegal operation performed"
the dvd is a Torisan DVD-ROM DRD -U624 and I went to driverguide.com but the only one listed was for windows 2000 and I'm using 98 - tried anyways and when I tried to install it I got message "can not copy TSYCDROM.SYS"
please help.
I've got other issues but if I could solve the above 2 today I would be the happiest camper.
Consider me a rookie, I follow directions well but not up on all computerspeak.
thank you

[jdc2000]

You can probably download the drivers you need. What manufacturer and model of laptop do you have? Try the manufacturer's web site for drivers.

[mop11]

the laptop is a clone - called Ultinet - local Toronto company - and their website has not been helpful - although they have "support" & "downloads" listed on their website(ultinet.ca) - the links go nowhere - and their phone number is for sales only - I can not reach a person.
I'm reaching the novice conclusion that it is a driver problem with the DVD-ROM & the video card and/or monitor - I'm planning to go to Ultinet's storefront tomorrow and see if there are any people behind the product.
don't know what else to do, unless anybody else has any ideas??
is it possible to find out what video card is on the laptop if it is not listed under display adapters in the device manager??
thank you
M.

[jdc2000]

You might be able to use Aida32 to determine the make of video adapter in your laptop.

http://www.webattack.com/get/aida32.shtml