I've been able to start a dedicated server (either with -sv command line or video_screen = 0) through microsoft terminal service (remote desktop), which simulates a graphics card through software. Doesn't support 3D, but the server worked just fine. There is not need for a graphics card at all in a server.
I bet that this is a problem with direct x not being up to date, try installing the newest version with the online auto installer:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/detai...;displaylang=enWhat operating system is the server running? What version of 3DGS are you using? Older versions didn't work on windows server operating systems.