Join the AMA (Ask Me Anything) with the Firefox leadership team to celebrate Firefox 20th anniversary and discuss Firefox’s future on Mozilla Connect. Mark your calendar on Thursday, November 14, 18:00 - 20:00 UTC!

This site will have limited functionality while we undergo maintenance to improve your experience. If an article doesn't solve your issue and you want to ask a question, we have our support community waiting to help you at @FirefoxSupport on Twitter and/r/firefox on Reddit.

Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

Why are my drop-down menus blacking out?

  • 12 replies
  • 2 have this problem
  • 33 views
  • Paskiausią atsakymą parašė Vivek

more options

The selections below my drop-down menus keep blacking out - for example, I'll click on my Bookmarks list, and as I try to scroll through the bookmarks, every selection blacks out so that you can't actually see the bookmarks except for the one at which the mouse is currently pointing. This occurs with all drop-down activities, including when dropping down from the orange Firefox button and working through those menu selections. Also, when scrolling, I can only use the scroll wheel on my mouse, I'm unable to use the mouse arrow to click on the scroll up/down bar on the right of the screen.

The selections below my drop-down menus keep blacking out - for example, I'll click on my Bookmarks list, and as I try to scroll through the bookmarks, every selection blacks out so that you can't actually see the bookmarks except for the one at which the mouse is currently pointing. This occurs with all drop-down activities, including when dropping down from the orange Firefox button and working through those menu selections. Also, when scrolling, I can only use the scroll wheel on my mouse, I'm unable to use the mouse arrow to click on the scroll up/down bar on the right of the screen.

All Replies (12)

more options
more options

No - it still keeps happening.

more options

Since all of the problems involve scrolling or selecting, could it be a mouse driver?

more options

If it is happening in other programs the error may be due to other reasons as you have noted. Can you also attach a screenshot: Add images: Browse below Post a Reply on this page.

more options

The problems are only happening in Firefox (no issues at all with Microsoft products, for example). Two screenshots (.png format) attached.

more options

Perhaps the Windows theme isn't compatible. You can also try to make adjustments in the theme if it provides the settings.

more options

How do I do that?

more options

Are you referring to the desktop theme in Windows? If so, it's not that (I just tried it).

more options

One issue fixed - I fixed the scrolling issue by going to Options - Advanced and checking Use Smooth Scrolling block. However, still have the blacked out items from the drop down menus (as shown in the screenshots I sent).

more options

Please see this for Windows built-in themes.

more options

I ran the Microsoft Fix It, but it didn't detect any errors.

more options

You can also try checking Firefox in Windows Safe Mode.