Black Screen of Death & OpenGL Question

BlitzMax Forums/BlitzMax Beginners Area/Black Screen of Death & OpenGL Question

So I'm wanting to get more into BlitzMax...

(1)
The problem I'm having is when I compile some of the code samples the screen goes black and bits and pieces of it slowly refresh (black chunks remain and I have to open folders, click on the start menu, etc. to regain my view). The program doesn't display properly, either. Any ideas why? I have the latest drivers.

(2)
How difficult is it to break into the cool alpha-blending / particle effects with the OpenGL?


Thank you.