iMac G3 firmware problems

Alright, I just got this iMac ... here are the specs:

Introduction DatetOctober 5, 1999\tDiscontinued DatetJuly 19, 2000
Processor TypetPowerPC 750 (G3)\tProcessor Speedt350 MHz
Processor UpgradetN/A\tFPU (Integrated)tPowerPC 750 (G3)
System Bus Speedt100 MHz\tBackside Bus Speedt140 MHz
ROM Sizet1 MB 1.\tData Patht64-bit
Level 1 Cachet64k\tLevel 2 Cachet512k (backside)
RAM Typet8ns PC100 SDRAM 3.\tVRAM TypetVideo Card (2x AGP)
Standard RAMt64 MB\tMaximum RAMt512 MB 2.
Motherboard RAMtNone\tRAM Slotst2 3.
Standard VRAMt8 MB\tMaximum VRAMt8 MB
Standard Hard Drivet6.0 GB\tInt. Hard Drive TypetIDE
Standard CD-ROMt24X (slot-loaded)\tStandard DisktNone
Standard Modemt56.6k (internal)\tStandard Ethernett10/100Base-T
Case TypetAll-in-One 4.\tForm FactortiMac "350" 4.
Exp. SlotstAirPort\tExp. Bays (Free)tNone
Battery Typet3.6V Lithium\tBattery LifetN/A
Built-in Displayt15" Color 5.\tSupported MacOSt8.6, 9.0, 9.1, X
Dimensionst15.0 x 15.0 x 17.1 6.\tAvg. Weightt34.7 lbs.
Original Pricet$999 US\tEst. Current PricetReturning Soonish



Now, here's the problem ... It came with OS 9.2.2 installed with a bunch of files messed around in different folders and what not. So, I figured the best thing to do was to do a format of the HD and a fesh install. After installing OS 9.0, I realised that there was a problem with the gamma and color balance ... and, afrter fiddling away with the controls, got them slightly fixed.

I then tried to install OS X 10.3 Panther. Here's where the problems started. I had to go back and reinstall the old System Folder on to the hard drive simply because the OS X Install CD said that the firmware had to be updated. I then went and attempted to download the firmware update from apple's website (http://docs.info.apple.com/article.h...75130#English). After attempting to update the firmware, the computer was not responding, so I unplugged it and restarted it.

Now, it is booting up into Mac OS 9.2.2 like it did before, only now, the screen goes blank right after it begins to startup ... the computer is unusable at this point.

Any ideas? This has been quite a project for the las few days, now I'm reaching out.

also, it has 128 megs of ram, not 64 ... and, i have figured out thus far that it will boot fine with a washed out screen, and then about 5 to 10 seconds into it, the screen will go black (off) and the computer will remain on with the green light at the botton right hand side pulsing ... other than that, the computer doesn't seem to make any noise at all, not as if it's doing any kind of internal process or anything.

any ideas?

that's what i was thinking was going on ... and, what i was afraid of. it's also why i've turned to this forum for help. \

other than that, what else can i do?