I have modified the display settings both via the GUI and by manually
editing the /etc/X11/xorg.conf file.

Either way, when i attempt 1024x768 with 16 bit, and reboot, i get
blank screen.

Running XP Pro in this box i can run at this reso just fine.

Here is the result of the lspci:

00:00.0 Host bridge: Intel Corporation 82810E DC-133 GMCH [Graphics
Memory Controller Hub] (rev 03)
00:01.0 VGA compatible controller: Intel Corporation 82810E DC-133 CGC
[Chipset Graphics Controller] (rev 03)
00:1e.0 PCI bridge: Intel Corporation 82801AA PCI Bridge (rev 02)

Onboard graphics card, it looks like.

Any ideas?