I'm trying to run a game that requires a 3d graphics card compatible with directx 9 (or something like that). But when I start the game, it says "prism3d.exe failed to launch." I Would like to know whether my video driver is capable of handling the application 'Prism3d'. It's the Intel 945 Chipset with the Intel GMA 950.

You have an on board graphics adapter. That's not a 3D.

That was quick... anyway, I ran the program on my bro's com using XP and it has an integrated graphics card as well. And it sort of works.

Your Intel GMA 950 (http://www.intel.com/products/chipsets/gma950/index.htm) will do some 3D acceleration but probably not the specialized components that your game needs. The box your game came with usually details the video specs for the game to run.

Prism3D seems to be old technology judging by this:
3D Engine: Prism3D (http://www.mobygames.com/game-group/3d-engine-prism3d)
So your onboard graphics should be able to run it.

Try looking here: OceanDive 3D screen saver and game - Help, Support and Frequently Asked Questions (http://www.oceandive.com/support.php#13)

Thanks 'NeedKarma'. Looked at all the links. This is what it says on the intel website, "With a powerful 400MHz core and DirectX* 9 3D hardware acceleration, Intel® GMA 950 graphics provides performance on par with mainstream graphics card... " which matches the requirements on the box.

The thing still doesn't work! I've reinstalled it 3 times!

Not sure what game it is but surely it must have a tech support site perhaps with a forum.