Half-Life 2 problem

[high_till_i_die]

....the graphics m8.I cant change them because it just turns black and exits the game.I want to change them because on the
automatic settings it kinda laggs,but not ordinary lagg,he just keeps goin and goin and goin after a second Im able to move again.Do u know what the problem might be?

[noobman]

do you have a new rig with a good videocard?, and the newest chipset and videodrivers?

can u please post your system specifications?