graphics problem?

[mbh]

Hello all --

My display goes blank (i.e., completely black) every time I open a program that is graphics-based (e.x., windows media player, google earth, etc.). Sometimes it flashes on and off, other times it says black for a while... it didn't do this at first, so I'm wondering if I accidentally changed a display setting to cause this (or with the power management, which I had changed through the thinkpad configuration). If anyone knows how to correct this, I would appreciate any suggestions! Thanks! mbh