new install problems with radeon 8500

[Ken Simpson]

hi, I am at the end of my tether too with this problem.

I have searched the lists and found a few options, none of which work.

I have a G4 500 (Sawtooth) with an ATI Radeon 8500 in place of the Rage Pro 128

I can get X going but the colours are appalling in 16 bit mode, and 
darked out in 8 bit.

this is using the novideo or normal option for the kernel args.

If I add the video=radeon:dfp option, I get "kernel mode - checking" 
9or something like that for page after page, on boot and it doesn't 
go away.

I have run Xconfigurator again chosen my monitor exactly (Philips 
Brilliance 109P), and done the advance one as well, hoping that that 
would make a difference. No luck.

One of the most annoying things is that the mouse in X is "split" 
somehow and the hotspot is off to the left of the mouse sprite.

I have upgraded to the latest kernel from the Yellowdog site with all 
the modules and initrd etc.

Please help - anyone?
-- 
Regards
Ken Simpson