tain.totalcodex.net

I'm unsure which mode of rendering to use: hardware, software, or opengl.

Here is my myth_log.txt if that helps:

2007-09-16 17:56:54
Myth II Build 290 running under Modern Windows 5.010000 ----------------------------------------------
Scanning for software devices...
Found 1 to use
Scanning for Direct3D devices...
Found 1 to use
Scanning for 3Dfx devices...
Found 0 to use
Scanning for OpenGL devices...
Found 1 to use
Using GDI for Input
Mouse appears to have 3 buttons and 3 axes.
DInput Err: Acquire (Mouse) failed Error: DIERR_READONLY (0x80070005)
Failed to successfully initialize the mouse under DirectInput.
Initialized for DirectSound3D using COM
Loading Patch Files...
Patch 1.2
Patch 1.3
PlayMyth v1.2.1
PMI_PlayMythBlue
Patch 1.4
Patch 1.4 Interface
Patch 1.5
Loading Patch Files Succeeded
Running Software at 1440 x 900, 16 bit
Starting mesh "2) Grab Your Swords And Bows" with 1 plugin...
Lugas - The Abomination v1.0.1
Closing Myth.

Use whichever works best for you.

OpenGL is hardware, I think you mean Direct3D.

Do you hava an ATI or Nvidia card?
ATI -> Direct3D
Nvidia -> OpengGL