Dying GPU?

So, I've had an Visiontek Radeon 9200 SE [128mb PCI] for about four years now, maybe five. It's served me well, but it just ain't up to scratch anymore. However, money's hard to come by, given my lifestyle - don't ask. So, I make do.
However, lately, whenever I start up my computer, Windows loads, and a few moments after I log in, my screen goes black. Not only that, but my monitor goes into standby mode [makes loud "click!" sound I've come to associate with a monitor powering on, and the light goes from green to amber.] This only lasts a few seconds, but it's long enough to be a distraction.
And I can't help but wonder if it's my graphics card, or if it's something else. If so, is it serious?
Also worth noting is the fact that the taskbar remains black for several seconds after everything else. What gives?