This "set start menu color to black", if applicable to all selectable versions of the menu, may be my problem. I chose the Windows 7 presentation of the start menu when I set up Start 11. Unlike in Start 10, the right-side shortcuts are apparently black text on black background, only becoming visible when hovered over.
I can't find a setting that changes that status to make the text constantly visible. Is there one? If so, please point me to the instructions or the menu item to make the change.