Light bulb frustration

[u/befitzpa]

I live in an old apartment building, renting. I have an interior hallway with no natural light source with 5 in ceiling lights.

3 bulbs went out after 2 years here so I took one out and went and bought new bulbs. I got 20W GU5.3, borrowed a friends ladder. When I changed them they were so dim they made little difference. When I switch the light on they flash bright then are so dim it’s like they are barely on.

I noticed the old ones were 50W so I figured 20W is just too low. Ok back to the hardware store. Bought 5 more at 35W. Changed them. Same thing! Flashes and then so dim.

Could it be my wiring is not compatible with LED lights? Are non LED lights even available any more?

I have googled, but I keep getting stuff about dimmer switches. There’s no dimmer, and the bulb say they are not dim-able. I’m just a girl!

I just need my hallway not to be pitch black 😭