I guess none really knows?
I went and got me a new video card the GeForce GTX 260 and it's a really sweet card to have playing this game now

Anyway, my problem is any models that I have in my FreSpace2/Data/model file end up not having any lighting applied and look dark in game and in the F3 model view environment. Strangely, the models that are not in the above location, but in Sparky.vp do work fine.
I have the Specular, glow, environment, mipmapping and normals turned on and the rest of my settings are exactly as the 3.6.10 VP installation said to do for the launcher. I have made sure no stray shader files and anything else that should not be in the root directory.
The same thing happed before with my old ATI X1800XL card too.
Here is what the Hyperion looks like:

Anyone got a guess what's going on here?
I'm running the debugger now and this warning came up:
Warning: Inverted bounding box on submodel 'detail-0' of model 'cruiser3t-01b.pof'! Swapping values to compensate.
File: modelread.cpp
Line: 2411
Call stack:
------------------------------------------------------------------
fs2_open_3_6_10d-20081215_r4999.exe 00934a25()
fs2_open_3_6_10d-20081215_r4999.exe 00a413bb()
fs2_open_3_6_10d-20081215_r4999.exe 00a4dbbf()
fs2_open_3_6_10d-20081215_r4999.exe 009d0ae9()
fs2_open_3_6_10d-20081215_r4999.exe 009cc547()
fs2_open_3_6_10d-20081215_r4999.exe 009cc488()
fs2_open_3_6_10d-20081215_r4999.exe 009ca842()
fs2_open_3_6_10d-20081215_r4999.exe 009cb389()
fs2_open_3_6_10d-20081215_r4999.exe 00a4eec9()
fs2_open_3_6_10d-20081215_r4999.exe 0073cc3d()
fs2_open_3_6_10d-20081215_r4999.exe 0095103d()
fs2_open_3_6_10d-20081215_r4999.exe 0073de88()
fs2_open_3_6_10d-20081215_r4999.exe 0073e11e()
fs2_open_3_6_10d-20081215_r4999.exe 00c91996()
fs2_open_3_6_10d-20081215_r4999.exe 00c9181f()
------------------------------------------------------------------
inverted bounding box? It pops this up for all the entries in the POF model list such as the turrets, details and debris.
Here is the Debug spew:
==========================================================================
DEBUG SPEW: No debug_filter.cfg found, so only general, error, and warning
categories can be shown and no debug_filter.cfg info will be saved.
==========================================================================
FreeSpace version: 3.6.10
Passed cmdline options:
-spec_exp 15
-ogl_spec 20
-spec_static 1.5
-spec_point 1.2
-spec_tube 1.5
-ambient_factor 35
-env
-mipmap
-missile_lighting
-glow
-nomotiondebris
-spec
-normal
-3dshockwave
-orbradar
-targetinfo
-3dwarp
-ship_choice_3d
-weapon_choice_3d
-warp_flash
-snd_preload
-mod mediavps
Building file index...
Found root pack 'F:\FS2\FreeSpace2\mediavps\MV_Advanced.vp' with a checksum of 0x08a62d20
Found root pack 'F:\FS2\FreeSpace2\mediavps\MV_Assets.vp' with a checksum of 0xb8c5d655
Found root pack 'F:\FS2\FreeSpace2\mediavps\MV_Core.vp' with a checksum of 0x0a0213e0
Found root pack 'F:\FS2\FreeSpace2\mediavps\MV_Effects.vp' with a checksum of 0xb2296226
Found root pack 'F:\FS2\FreeSpace2\mediavps\MV_Music.vp' with a checksum of 0xcca92482
Found root pack 'F:\FS2\FreeSpace2\FS2OGGcutscenepack.vp' with a checksum of 0x84396e99
Found root pack 'F:\FS2\FreeSpace2\multi-mission-pack.vp' with a checksum of 0x377695e0
Found root pack 'F:\FS2\FreeSpace2\multi-voice-pack.vp' with a checksum of 0xd50e7442
Found root pack 'F:\FS2\FreeSpace2\root_fs2.vp' with a checksum of 0xce10d76c
Found root pack 'F:\FS2\FreeSpace2\smarty_fs2.vp' with a checksum of 0xddeb3b1e
Found root pack 'F:\FS2\FreeSpace2\sparky_fs2.vp' with a checksum of 0x164fe65a
Found root pack 'F:\FS2\FreeSpace2\sparky_hi_fs2.vp' with a checksum of 0xa11d56f1
Found root pack 'F:\FS2\FreeSpace2\stu_fs2.vp' with a checksum of 0xd77da83a
Found root pack 'F:\FS2\FreeSpace2\tango1_fs2.vp' with a checksum of 0x4c25221e
Found root pack 'F:\FS2\FreeSpace2\tango2_fs2.vp' with a checksum of 0x86920b82
Found root pack 'F:\FS2\FreeSpace2\tango3_fs2.vp' with a checksum of 0x705e8d71
Found root pack 'F:\FS2\FreeSpace2\warble_fs2.vp' with a checksum of 0xd85c305d
Searching root 'F:\FS2\FreeSpace2\mediavps\' ... 10 files
Searching root pack 'F:\FS2\FreeSpace2\mediavps\MV_Advanced.vp' ... 2610 files
Searching root pack 'F:\FS2\FreeSpace2\mediavps\MV_Assets.vp' ... 1867 files
Searching root pack 'F:\FS2\FreeSpace2\mediavps\MV_Core.vp' ... 139 files
Searching root pack 'F:\FS2\FreeSpace2\mediavps\MV_Effects.vp' ... 1032 files
Searching root pack 'F:\FS2\FreeSpace2\mediavps\MV_Music.vp' ... 15 files
Searching root 'F:\FS2\FreeSpace2\' ... 196 files
Searching root pack 'F:\FS2\FreeSpace2\FS2OGGcutscenepack.vp' ... 10 files
Searching root pack 'F:\FS2\FreeSpace2\multi-mission-pack.vp' ... 110 files
Searching root pack 'F:\FS2\FreeSpace2\multi-voice-pack.vp' ... 307 files
Searching root pack 'F:\FS2\FreeSpace2\root_fs2.vp' ... 157 files
Searching root pack 'F:\FS2\FreeSpace2\smarty_fs2.vp' ... 10 files
Searching root pack 'F:\FS2\FreeSpace2\sparky_fs2.vp' ... 3027 files
Searching root pack 'F:\FS2\FreeSpace2\sparky_hi_fs2.vp' ... 1337 files
Searching root pack 'F:\FS2\FreeSpace2\stu_fs2.vp' ... 2355 files
Searching root pack 'F:\FS2\FreeSpace2\tango1_fs2.vp' ... 32 files
Searching root pack 'F:\FS2\FreeSpace2\tango2_fs2.vp' ... 15 files
Searching root pack 'F:\FS2\FreeSpace2\tango3_fs2.vp' ... 10 files
Searching root pack 'F:\FS2\FreeSpace2\warble_fs2.vp' ... 52 files
Found 19 roots and 13291 files.
Setting language to English
TBM => Starting parse of 'mv_strings-lcl.tbm' ...
Initializing OpenAL...
Using 'Generic Software' as OpenAL sound device...
OpenAL Vendor : Creative Labs Inc.
OpenAL Renderer : Software
OpenAL Version : 1.1
... OpenAL successfully initialized!
Failed to init speech
Initializing OpenGL graphics device at 1680x1050 with 32-bit color...
Initializing WGL...
Requested WGL Video values = R: 8, G: 8, B: 8, depth: 32, double-buffer: 1
Actual WGL Video values = R: 8, G: 8, B: 8, depth: 32, double-buffer: 1
OpenGL Vendor : NVIDIA Corporation
OpenGL Renderer : GeForce GTX 260/PCI/SSE2
OpenGL Version : 2.1.2
Using extension "GL_EXT_fog_coord".
Using extension "GL_ARB_multitexture".
Using extension "GL_ARB_texture_env_add".
Using extension "GL_ARB_texture_compression".
Using extension "GL_EXT_texture_compression_s3tc".
Using extension "GL_EXT_texture_filter_anisotropic".
Using extension "GL_ARB_texture_env_combine".
Using extension "GL_EXT_compiled_vertex_array".
Using extension "GL_EXT_draw_range_elements".
Using extension "GL_ARB_texture_mirrored_repeat".
Using extension "GL_ARB_texture_non_power_of_two".
Using extension "GL_ARB_vertex_buffer_object".
Using extension "GL_ARB_pixel_buffer_object".
Using extension "GL_SGIS_generate_mipmap".
Using extension "GL_EXT_framebuffer_object".
Using extension "GL_ARB_texture_rectangle".
Using extension "GL_EXT_bgra".
Using extension "GL_ARB_texture_cube_map".
Using extension "GL_EXT_texture_lod_bias".
Using extension "GL_ARB_point_sprite".
Using extension "GL_ARB_shading_language_100".
Using extension "GL_ARB_shader_objects".
Using extension "GL_ARB_vertex_shader".
Using extension "GL_ARB_fragment_shader".
Using extension "GL_NV_vertex_program3".
Found special extension function "wglSwapIntervalEXT".
Compiling shader -> null-v.sdr / null-f.sdr ...
Compiling shader -> b-v.sdr / b-f.sdr ...
Compiling shader -> b-v.sdr / bg-f.sdr ...
Compiling shader -> l-v.sdr / lb-f.sdr ...
Compiling shader -> l-v.sdr / lbg-f.sdr ...
Compiling shader -> l-v.sdr / lbgs-f.sdr ...
Compiling shader -> l-v.sdr / lbs-f.sdr ...
Compiling shader -> le-v.sdr / lbgse-f.sdr ...
Compiling shader -> le-v.sdr / lbse-f.sdr ...
Compiling shader -> ln-v.sdr / lbgn-f.sdr ...
Compiling shader -> ln-v.sdr / lbgsn-f.sdr ...
Compiling shader -> ln-v.sdr / lbn-f.sdr ...
Compiling shader -> ln-v.sdr / lbsn-f.sdr ...
Compiling shader -> lne-v.sdr / lbgsne-f.sdr ...
Compiling shader -> lne-v.sdr / lbsne-f.sdr ...
Compiling shader -> lf-v.sdr / lfb-f.sdr ...
Compiling shader -> lf-v.sdr / lfbg-f.sdr ...
Compiling shader -> lf-v.sdr / lfbgs-f.sdr ...
Compiling shader -> lf-v.sdr / lfbs-f.sdr ...
Compiling shader -> lfe-v.sdr / lfbgse-f.sdr ...
Compiling shader -> lfe-v.sdr / lfbse-f.sdr ...
Compiling shader -> lfn-v.sdr / lfbgn-f.sdr ...
Compiling shader -> lfn-v.sdr / lfbgsn-f.sdr ...
Compiling shader -> lfn-v.sdr / lfbn-f.sdr ...
Compiling shader -> lfn-v.sdr / lfbsn-f.sdr ...
Compiling shader -> lfne-v.sdr / lfbgsne-f.sdr ...
Compiling shader -> lfne-v.sdr / lfbsne-f.sdr ...
Compiling shader -> l-v.sdr / null-f.sdr ...
Compiling shader -> l-v.sdr / lg-f.sdr ...
Compiling shader -> l-v.sdr / lgs-f.sdr ...
Compiling shader -> l-v.sdr / ls-f.sdr ...
Compiling shader -> le-v.sdr / lgse-f.sdr ...
Compiling shader -> le-v.sdr / lse-f.sdr ...
Compiling shader -> ln-v.sdr / lgn-f.sdr ...
Compiling shader -> ln-v.sdr / lgsn-f.sdr ...
Compiling shader -> ln-v.sdr / ln-f.sdr ...
Compiling shader -> ln-v.sdr / lsn-f.sdr ...
Compiling shader -> lne-v.sdr / lgsne-f.sdr ...
Compiling shader -> lne-v.sdr / lsne-f.sdr ...
Max texture units: 4 (32)
Max elements vertices: 1048576
Max elements indices: 1048576
Max texture size: 8192x8192
Can use compressed textures: YES
Texture compression available: YES
Using trilinear texture filter.
Using GLSL for model rendering.
Shader Version: 1.20 NVIDIA via Cg compiler
... OpenGL init is complete!
Size of bitmap info = 705 KB
Size of bitmap extra info = 40 bytes
ANI cursorweb with size 24x24 (25.0% wasted)
GRAPHICS: Initializing default colors...
SCRIPTING: Beginning initialization sequence...
SCRIPTING: Beginning Lua initialization...
LUA: Opening LUA state...
LUA: Initializing base Lua libraries...
LUA: Beginning ADE initialization
ADE: Initializing enumeration constants...
ADE: Assigning Lua session...
SCRIPTING: Beginning main hook parse sequence....
Wokka! Error opening file (scripting.tbl)!
TABLES: Unable to parse 'scripting.tbl'! Error code = 5.
SCRIPTING: Inititialization complete.
SCRIPTING: Splash screen overrides checked
SCRIPTING: Splash hook has been run
SCRIPTING: Splash screen conditional hook has been run
Using high memory settings...
Wokka! Error opening file (interface.tbl)!
WMCGUI: Unable to parse 'interface.tbl'! Error code = 5.
TBM => Starting parse of 'mv_effects-sdf.tbm' ...
TBM => Starting parse of 'mv_adveffects-sdf.tbm' ...
ANI 2_radar1 with size 209x170 (33.6% wasted)
Windoze reported 16 joysticks, we found 1
Current soundtrack set to -1 in event_music_reset_choices
TBM => Starting parse of 'mv_music-mus.tbm' ...
TBM => Starting parse of 'mv_advmuzzle-mfl.tbm' ...
Wokka! Error opening file (armor.tbl)!
TABLES: Unable to parse 'armor.tbl'! Error code = 5.
TBM => Starting parse of 'mv_effects-wxp.tbm' ...
TBM => Starting parse of 'mv_adveffects-wxp.tbm' ...
BMPMAN: Found EFF (exp20.eff) with 64 frames at 35 fps.
BMPMAN: Found EFF (ExpMissileHit1.eff) with 44 frames at 30 fps.
BMPMAN: Found EFF (exp05.eff) with 47 frames at 20 fps.
BMPMAN: Found EFF (exp06.eff) with 48 frames at 20 fps.
BMPMAN: Found EFF (exp04.eff) with 60 frames at 20 fps.
BMPMAN: Found EFF (Maxim_Impact.eff) with 23 frames at 30 fps.
ANI Lamprey_Impact with size 80x80 (37.5% wasted)
BMPMAN: Found EFF (Gmuzzle.eff) with 5 frames at 30 fps.
BMPMAN: Found EFF (PWmuzzle.eff) with 4 frames at 30 fps.
BMPMAN: Found EFF (Rmuzzle.eff) with 4 frames at 30 fps.
BMPMAN: Found EFF (Bmuzzle.eff) with 5 frames at 30 fps.
WARNING: "Bogus string in weapon flags: Big Damage" at weapons.cpp:1665
WARNING: "Bogus string in weapon flags: Big Damage" at weapons.cpp:1665
TBM => Starting parse of 'mv_effects-wep.tbm' ...
TBM => Starting parse of 'mv_tech-wep.tbm' ...
TBM => Starting parse of 'mv_models-wep.tbm' ...
TBM => Starting parse of 'mv_adveffects-wep.tbm' ...
TBM => Starting parse of 'mv_trails-shp.tbm' ...
TBM => Starting parse of 'mv_tech-shp.tbm' ...
TBM => Starting parse of 'mv_dragon-shp.tbm' ...
TBM => Starting parse of 'mv_models-shp.tbm' ...
TBM => Starting parse of 'mv_adveffects-shp.tbm' ...
TBM => Starting parse of 'mv_escort-hdg.tbm' ...
TBM => Starting parse of 'mv_effects-str.tbm' ...
loading animated cursor "cursor"
ANI cursor with size 24x24 (25.0% wasted)
Ships.tbl is : INVALID!!!!
Weapons.tbl is : INVALID!!!!
cfile_init() took 1818
Got event GS_EVENT_GAME_INIT (49) in state NOT A VALID STATE (0)
ANI cursor.ani with size 24x24 (25.0% wasted)
Frame 0 too long!!: frametime = 0.267 (0.267)
Got event GS_EVENT_MAIN_MENU (0) in state GS_STATE_INITIAL_PLAYER_SELECT (37)
Someone passed an extension to bm_load for file 'scorpsquadc.pcx'
ANI 2_mainwalk.ani with size 209x477 (6.8% wasted)
ANI 2_mainflyby.ani with size 509x189 (26.2% wasted)
ANI 2_maincrane.ani with size 192x116 (9.4% wasted)
ANI 2_mainexit.ani with size 319x174 (32.0% wasted)
ANI 2_mainbarracks.ani with size 273x158 (38.3% wasted)
ANI 2_mainreadyroom.ani with size 231x145 (43.4% wasted)
ANI 2_maintechroom.ani with size 69x119 (7.0% wasted)
ANI 2_mainoptions.ani with size 337x206 (19.5% wasted)
ANI 2_maincampaign.ani with size 308x190 (25.8% wasted)
Frame 0 too long!!: frametime = 1.590 (1.590)
Got event GS_EVENT_LAB (64) in state GS_STATE_MAIN_MENU (1)
Frame 0 too long!!: frametime = 0.351 (0.351)
Loading model 'cruiser3t-01b.pof'
IBX: Found a good IBX/TSB to read for 'cruiser3t-01b.pof'.
IBX-DEBUG => POF checksum: 0xff696748, IBX checksum: 0x82d4c891 -- "cruiser3t-01b.pof"
WARNING: "Inverted bounding box on submodel 'detail-0' of model 'cruiser3t-01b.pof'! Swapping values to compensate." at modelread.cpp:2411
WARNING: "Inverted bounding box on submodel 'turret01' of model 'cruiser3t-01b.pof'! Swapping values to compensate." at modelread.cpp:2411
WARNING: "Inverted bounding box on submodel 'turret02' of model 'cruiser3t-01b.pof'! Swapping values to compensate." at modelread.cpp:2411
WARNING: "Inverted bounding box on submodel 'turret03' of model 'cruiser3t-01b.pof'! Swapping values to compensate." at modelread.cpp:2411
WARNING: "Inverted bounding box on submodel 'turretarm03' of model 'cruiser3t-01b.pof'! Swapping values to compensate." at modelread.cpp:2411
WARNING: "Inverted bounding box on submodel 'turret04' of model 'cruiser3t-01b.pof'! Swapping values to compensate." at modelread.cpp:2411
WARNING: "Inverted bounding box on submodel 'turretarm04' of model 'cruiser3t-01b.pof'! Swapping values to compensate." at modelread.cpp:2411
WARNING: "Inverted bounding box on submodel 'turret05' of model 'cruiser3t-01b.pof'! Swapping values to compensate." at modelread.cpp:2411
WARNING: "Inverted bounding box on submodel 'turretarm05' of model 'cruiser3t-01b.pof'! Swapping values to compensate." at modelread.cpp:2411
WARNING: "Inverted bounding box on submodel 'turret06' of model 'cruiser3t-01b.pof'! Swapping values to compensate." at modelread.cpp:2411
WARNING: "Inverted bounding box on submodel 'turretarm06' of model 'cruiser3t-01b.pof'! Swapping values to compensate." at modelread.cpp:2411
WARNING: "Inverted bounding box on submodel 'turret07' of model 'cruiser3t-01b.pof'! Swapping values to compensate." at modelread.cpp:2411
WARNING: "Inverted bounding box on submodel 'turretarm07' of model 'cruiser3t-01b.pof'! Swapping values to compensate." at modelread.cpp:2411
WARNING: "Inverted bounding box on submodel 'turret08' of model 'cruiser3t-01b.pof'! Swapping values to compensate." at modelread.cpp:2411
WARNING: "Inverted bounding box on submodel 'turret09' of model 'cruiser3t-01b.pof'! Swapping values to compensate." at modelread.cpp:2411
WARNING: "Inverted bounding box on submodel 'turret10' of model 'cruiser3t-01b.pof'! Swapping values to compensate." at modelread.cpp:2411
WARNING: "Inverted bounding box on submodel 'turret11' of model 'cruiser3t-01b.pof'! Swapping values to compensate." at modelread.cpp:2411
WARNING: "Inverted bounding box on submodel 'turret12' of model 'cruiser3t-01b.pof'! Swapping values to compensate." at modelread.cpp:2411
WARNING: "Inverted bounding box on submodel 'turret13' of model 'cruiser3t-01b.pof'! Swapping values to compensate." at modelread.cpp:2411
WARNING: "Inverted bounding box on submodel 'detail-1' of model 'cruiser3t-01b.pof'! Swapping values to compensate." at modelread.cpp:2411
WARNING: "Inverted bounding box on submodel 'detail-2' of model 'cruiser3t-01b.pof'! Swapping values to compensate." at modelread.cpp:2411
WARNING: "Inverted bounding box on submodel 'detail-3' of model 'cruiser3t-01b.pof'! Swapping values to compensate." at modelread.cpp:2411
WARNING: "Inverted bounding box on submodel 'debris-0' of model 'cruiser3t-01b.pof'! Swapping values to compensate." at modelread.cpp:2411
WARNING: "Inverted bounding box on submodel 'debris-1' of model 'cruiser3t-01b.pof'! Swapping values to compensate." at modelread.cpp:2411
WARNING: "Inverted bounding box on submodel 'debris-2' of model 'cruiser3t-01b.pof'! Swapping values to compensate." at modelread.cpp:2411
WARNING: "Inverted bounding box on submodel 'debris-3' of model 'cruiser3t-01b.pof'! Swapping values to compensate." at modelread.cpp:2411
WARNING: "Inverted bounding box on submodel 'debris-4' of model 'cruiser3t-01b.pof'! Swapping values to compensate." at modelread.cpp:2411
WARNING: "Inverted bounding box on submodel 'debris-5' of model 'cruiser3t-01b.pof'! Swapping values to compensate." at modelread.cpp:2411
WARNING: "Inverted bounding box on submodel 'debris-6' of model 'cruiser3t-01b.pof'! Swapping values to compensate." at modelread.cpp:2411
WARNING: "Inverted bounding box on submodel 'debris-7' of model 'cruiser3t-01b.pof'! Swapping values to compensate." at modelread.cpp:2411
Frame 0 too long!!: frametime = 181.334 (181.334)
Got event GS_EVENT_PREVIOUS_STATE (7) in state GS_STATE_LAB (50)
ANI 2_mainwalk.ani with size 209x477 (6.8% wasted)
ANI 2_mainflyby.ani with size 509x189 (26.2% wasted)
ANI 2_maincrane.ani with size 192x116 (9.4% wasted)
ANI 2_mainexit.ani with size 319x174 (32.0% wasted)
ANI 2_mainbarracks.ani with size 273x158 (38.3% wasted)
ANI 2_mainreadyroom.ani with size 231x145 (43.4% wasted)
ANI 2_maintechroom.ani with size 69x119 (7.0% wasted)
ANI 2_mainoptions.ani with size 337x206 (19.5% wasted)
ANI 2_maincampaign.ani with size 308x190 (25.8% wasted)
Got event GS_EVENT_QUIT_GAME (5) in state GS_STATE_MAIN_MENU (1)
Freeing all existing models...
... Log closed, Fri Dec 26 19:05:27 2008