On Windows 8 Pro x64.
I have the setting where inactive windows will darken to draw less attention to them, and for some reason, after a while the same effect would then be on any active window.
The only way to fix this, and still keep the effect for its typical use (other than a reset) was to disable the setting and then re-enable it.
I have only had this happen twice, and it seems to be after switching from the Start Menu back to the desktop, but rarely.