I think I found the solution -and- the cause. Also, this solution worked for both JK2 and JK3 when I used it! For Windows 7/8/8.1/10: Goto My Computer, then right click and goto properties.Your system information (CPU, RAM etc.) should appear.On the left pane, click Advanced System Settings.The System Properties window will open, and you'll automatically be on the Advanced tab, which is good!Under the Advanced tab, select Settings under the Performance section of that tab.The Performance Options window will open and you'll start on the Visual Effects tab, which is, again, good!Under the Visual Effects tab, near the top, select Adjust for best appearance.Run your game and enjoy! No more black screen with sound and the ability to hit menu buttons as you described.For Windows XP: This problem should not exist, IIRC.If this fixes it for anyone, please second this. Apparently, Adjust for best performance makes JA give you the black screen somehow. Also, maybe it only does this with certain video cards and not with others. I wrestled with this issue for a long time, for many hapless hours, so I'm happy to see others not have the same sorry experience.
