The destop theme change did the deed.

Check this out................

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=833258

The fill color, the fill pattern, or the line color of a WordArt or
AutoShape object in an Office document does not change

As directed, change the High Contrast setting in Windows OS


Gord Dibben MS Excel MVP

On Tue, 31 Jul 2007 12:14:03 -0700, Jan in Raleigh <Jan in
wrote:

I changed my desktop theme. Now my IE 7 display does not show background
colors (for instance the screen I am using for this question shows black type
on a white background); background colors that usually appear in the online
databases I use are gone; my excel spreadsheets have lost highlighting and
font colors (although I can see colors in print preview). Have changed
desktop back to default and have rebooted. Word does not seem to be affected.
Suggestions? Thanks. jan