Can see wallpaper on desktop

I am running Windows Vista and I can see the toolbar as well as all my icons on my desktop; however, the background picture does not show up until I am shutting down, it is simply black. I have been reading suggestions, but the repair suggestion instructions are not for Vista and I am technically inadequate. If someone could please help I would be grateful. I am not sure how to make a screen shot either so if you need one to understand how to help me. you will have to walk me through that as well.

Try changing the Vista Theme, see if that helps: How To Changes Themes in Windows Vista

This may be a useful read for you.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/934008