This could be Graphic card settings .. or a problem with drivers .. or DirectX.
Check Control Panel/Display/Settings tab/Advanced/Troubleshoot .. make sure slider is turned up.
If still a problem ..
Start ... Run ... Type in DXDiag and enter .. Let it load .. Check DirectX version on first page, then run through all tabs and do checks, also note problems listed.
Download DirectX 9.0c if not using that version (XP, Vista,) 7? ... report back! Al.