Half Life 2 Brightness Problem

[-PuPu^ZaPruD3r-]

I seem to have a problem with Half Life 2's brightness. I already put the brightness to max in the options menu. But it's still very dark. Anyone knows how i can make it brighter? I started the first level, very very dark. Very hard to see other humans.

I'm using ATI Radeon 9800 Pro. Please help! Thanks!

p/s : I've already set the settings very bright for desktop and full screen 3D. But HL2 seems to lock my brightness level.. My monitor's contrast and brightness are full as well..