Having booted the computer up and entered the password, the desktop briefly becomes visible then I just get a black screen appear, any idea's?

Sounds like some damage to Windows. Can you try booting to Safe Mode? You may have to do a reinstall of windows. What version of Windows do you have?

Currently Windows XP, I'll give your suggestion a go and let you know how it goes, many thanks

Problem now resolved after using driver re-install disc