Use VGA output as Graphic card suspect

yes why not, but you should remove the discrete video card first.

There's also an onboard HDMI port which might be a better choice than the onboard VGA port, assuming the monitor supports HDMI...

I have tried removing the graphics card but the Vga socket is not live.

Should it be automatically or is there a configuration option?

Thanks 

It should automatically switch to integrated video.  Try replace cmos battery and clear cmos settings via motherboard jumper if the cmos is sluggish not doing what it is supposed to do. Over the years one realizes pc is a machine that misbehaves erratically occasionally. It does not always follow logic rules but often a reset helps