I'm gonna guess this is on a laptop?

it is (99% it is)

Edited July 5, 201213 yr by GTAIVCode3

Yes you are correct

launch GTA IV offline then install the patch and everything will be alright

Edited July 5, 201213 yr by Dandado

Yes you are correct

then yea, you need a better computer

So what can I go to fix it short of getting a new graphics card? Because I feel as though my graphics card should be able to run the game

To get a new graphics car you must have a PC not a LAPTOP you cannot install new graphic cards into laptop since they are built it with Desktops you can since they are held on there own not to the MB (mother board)

If you have a gaming laptop than the graphics card can be replaced with a better one.