Problem with MySQL

So I updated to the new version and this is the message I am getting:

You cannot upgrade because WordPress 2.9.2 requires MySQL version 4.1.2 or higher. You are running version 4.0.27.

How do I change the version of MySQL I am using or do I even have the ability to do that? I use 1 and 1 hosting if that makes a difference. My friend did the update for me and didn’t back things up. I’m a ditz when it comes to doing anything other than posting to my blog so I have no clue what to do now. My friend isn’t sure what to do either.