windows is not saving external monitor settings

I recently purchased a gateway laptop and port replicator. The laptop works
fine by itself, but when I plug it into the port replicator and try to use an
external monitor, the monitor settings get all messed-up. When I right-click
the desktop, go into properties, settings, the settings that I need are not
there (usually, only 4 bit color and very low resolution setting is
available).

After working hours and hours with Gateway, they claim the problem is a
known problem with Windows XP (I am running XP pro) that windows is not
saving the monitor settings. At this point the only fix is to re-run the
intel device driver that I previously downloaded and reboot.

Any help with this is greatly appreciated. Also, Gateway insists on a 15%
restocking fee if I return the laptop saying that it is working as designed
(windows is not functioning properly, but the laptop is). Will be the last
Gateway that I ever buy!

Skip Belsky