Black screen

I'm totally new to windows movie maker, having just discovered it on my new
laptop, which is running vista basic. I can import my video's in movie maker,
but when I play them all I see is a black screen, the timline bar moves
across and the time of the clip is displayed, but no audio or picture no
nothing! Please can someone help me and tell me what on earth I'm doing wrong
- thank you

I haven't had that problem but have it in a similar form. It has to do with
the filters. If you go into the tools section click on options. You will find
three tabs- Click on Compatibility. Uncheck all the filters and it should
help. My problem is when i "publish" and export the final product it turns to
a black screen with no sound after one forth of the video is through. I hope
i was able to help.

Good Luck,
freddydarksage