“Unable to initialize SDL” error when trying to play games

Question

When I run one of my games I get:

Unable to initialize SDL: No available video device

I think that this is due my built-in SIS graphics card, which doesn't have a driver. However, flash games play normally. Here is my X configuration file if it can help (self edited):

Section "Device"
    Identifier  "Configured Video Device"
    Driver      "vesa"
EndSection

Section "Monitor"
    Identifier "Generic Monitor"
    Option "DPMS"
    HorizSync 27-149
    VertRefresh 43-172
EndSection

Section "Screen"
    Identifier "Default Screen"
    Device "Generic Video Card"
    Monitor "Generic Monitor"
    DefaultDepth 24
        SubSection "Display"
        Depth 24
        Modes "1280x1024" "1024x768" "800x600" "640x480"
        EndSubSection
EndSection

Is there a way to fix this without getting a dedicated graphics card?

Answer 1

First of all, are you sure that you have SDL installed?

Also, do the games require 3D acceleration? If so, then you probably will have to get a dedicated graphics card. Nvidia cards are always a safe bet for Linux.

Sorry if my answer has more questions than answers, but I do not yet have enough reputation to comment.