An answer for those that may encounter this issue:
Tech support's recommendation: "First, go ahead and close out of any 3D views or other windows that have a 3D display that you have open. Then, go to the Edit menu at the top of the program and click on Preferences. Then, click on Render. Click the check box next to texture compression and click OK. Then, create a new 3D view."
This did not work. I performed and full clean and reinstall of the video drivers with zero success. I decided to check the box in Preferences/Render/ "Use Enhanced Lighting" and VOILA!
Anywho...
Thanks for reading and helping.