Computer cannot find video card

Hello,
I have been playing my two favourite PC games AOE 2 & AOE 3 on my computer for a couple of years with no problems with either one. Last week I tried to play AOE 3 and I got a message saying that I needed a 64 bit video card, which is what I have. There was also a message that no drives could be detected and my video card showed 0 bits or my hardware accelerator was turned off, or my workstation was turned off, didn't even know I had these things. The strange thing is I can still play AOE 2 and there is no problem with it. Can anyone tell me what the heck is going on? I am totally confused.

Thank You
Rascalme