After fresh install, tons of display errors, can't see window frames or context menus

I'm a total noob and this is a first time install on a toshiba tecra s4, and I did check that all the hardware would be compatible beforehand, it is-- but it seems to be some sort of resolution problem and I have no idea how to do anything about it because I can't see the menus or windows really. Took 2 usb drives, a dvd, hours and a few attempts just to get the bloody OS installed at all, now this.

btw I've got KDE desktop, and the computer won't shut down from the OS, I have to force it to shut off.

really hope someone can give a straight forward fix.