ahh.. yah,i know thats not because of ur patch cuz itz been that way since i installed it.. heheheheh!
hmm.. how? i have ati radeon9250 video card... i really dont know bout this stuff.. sorry.. only a little =(
Try right-clicking anywhere on your desktop, then click "Properties," and then click the "Settings" tab, and then click the "Advanced" button, and then see if your video card has its own tab here in the Advanced box. If so, click it, and I'm sure you'll find a brightness adjust on this page.