How to fix the brightness on my computer?

My computer monitor goes black and the display disappears, even though it remains on.. how can I fix this?

• My computer monitor has been problematic recently.. its display disappears (the screen goes black) even though the monitor's green light is on meaning the monitor is still on. Since it appears to be a power-related issue, I tried reducing the brightness setting to below 50%, tried changing my surge protector and even tried plugging in the surge protector to a different wall outlet but nothing has worked. Is there any way I can fix this problem? I'm planning to take it to a computer store for repair but I'd like to know what the problem is likely to be so I might be able to fix it myself, or at the very least prevent the computer store from ripping me off..

• Answer:

  i have to ask the obvious: does this only happen after a period of inactivity, or while you are actually using the computer? if it happens after you aren't using the computer for a while, it is most likely the screen saver is set for blank screen. right-click anywhere on the desktop BUT an icon, select properties, screen saver, and set screen saver for "none". if it is already there, then check the monitor's menu settings for automatic power saving modes. Many default screen savers and power saving modes have a default setting of 1 minute, and this can go by really fast when you are thinking about what to do next. If this turns out not to be the problem, then you prolly got a monitor that's dying. DO NOT BOTHER FIXING IT! just get a new monitor. at $139 US for a decent one, it's actually more cost-effective than spending a minimum service fee of $50 just to look at it, and then pay for parts and labor, and you still have an old monitor with something else waiting to go wrong soon....