16-bit color should get you to the sissy pink states. 256 colors (1 step down from 16-bit color) does so. 16 colors (what Winblows uses when you're in safe mode) won't. I would suspect a video card driver issue.
Oh, it's a driver issue all right!!!!!!!
The motherboard on mine fried in january and I've been using my hubby's old box and the configurations just won't work properly. couple more weeks and I'll be a happy camper again!!!1