Help With Start Menu

[ptanner]

Need help or a point in the right direction to get the text same color/glow as in the right pannle and also how to get rid of the transparency in the more programs menu so i can see the pic that is behind the transparent part. sorry if i double posted but was not sure if my other post was rejected for some reason, as i don't see it in the list and nore on my profile. anyway thanks in advance for any and all help on this issue. this is my first custom theme and looking forward to finally getting it finished.

Edit: figured out how to get the glow/color in my programs menu. still need help with the transparent part, also a new problem reared it ugly head , now when i type in the search box. the picture is there although a black/greyish box pops up and blocks it. was wondering if there is a way to make that area transparent so i can see the pic behind. thanks again in advance to any and all help.