What game triggers the problem, or is it several? How long has the PC/game been running to cause the issue?
Sounds like it. Check for dust etc. and whether the heatsinks are attached properly and that all the fans are spinning.
What games does it happen in, and how long does it take for the problem to develop. Have you tried underclocking it slightly and see if that helps? Use Redline or ATitool to change the core and memory speeds a bit.
I'd be tempted to try returning the card tbh, there's no possible reason I can think of that would trigger a VPU error by just browsing the net.
every time i go to play bf2 i get a vpu recovery error. i have a ati radeon 9250 and ive heard of ppl getting them to work how?
There is still a possibility the card has developed a fault, it's not unknown. That would explain how some people get them to work!