For normal websites like MSN.com. It wasn’t Tools -> Internet Options -> Colors; those were all set correctly. Installing Google Chrome appeared to work fine, but then certain websites weren’t behaving correctly (due to their poor programming), so another solution was needed. It turns out that the High Contrast option was checked under Control Panel -> Accessibility Options -> Display and that solved the whole problem. Weird way of dealing with contrast, Microsoft, but at least the forums of the web saved me. Yeesh.

Helpful links:

Windows XP: High Contrast: Choose a High Contrast Color Combination to Improve Screen Resolution
Corrupt and missing images in IE, Firefox and throughout the OS
Missing Web Page Colors – D-A-L Computer Help – solution is here, the post by cooper1111

Google Search Terms:

firefox internet explorer missing colors
related:www.windowsbbs.com/windows-xp/65674-corrupt-missing-images-ie-firefox-throughout-os.html firefox internet explorer missing colors