Can't load RAM

Hi forums. I'm new here.

I have an HP tx1000 tablet notebook with Vista Business 32 bit SP1

I just bought 2X2GB PC-2 5300 RAM sticks. I know that 32 bit Vista will only address a theoretical max 4GB.

That's not my problem. My problem is that I think one of the sticks is dead. With both installed, I can get through BIOS and into Vista. With both, or just the one I think is broken, can't even post BIOS screen.

I have installed the lastest BIOS flash, still no avail. Any way to tell if RAM is busted? Other than dropping it into another laptop?

Thanks.

Boot into safe mode (F8) and choose the memory test option.