new ram, firmware?

So i my GF bought me 512 ram for x-mas. but it didnt work, she called where she bought it, and they said that i have to update my firmware. i have no clue what firmware is.

i have an ibook g4 800 12''. it gets to all most finish boot, then i get a screen that i have to restart the computer. restarting does nothing but bring me back to that screen.

any help or comments?
thanks a ton!

It sounds as though the RAM is the wrong kind for your iBook and the company is trying to avoid taking it back.

With certain PC notebooks, it could be a firmware issue, but not with your iBook.

It is the wrong kind, return it and select the proper RAM type.

Crucial.com has a RAM finder that can help you figure out the correct RAM module for your 'book...

Use it and try to exchange the RAM your gf got for the correct type.

Don't take any more bull from the retailer... they seem to know f-all...