Java3d requries an OpenGL or DirectX rendering layer,
 ------------------------------------

 and I think it not a Java3d problem but your system
is set up to render in with OpenGL or DirectX.

 I reccomend OpenGL, I try to avoid "Microsft Only" solutions,
and they don't work very well on my Linux system.

 Most Linux systems have a simple OpenGl demo: gears

 and typing : gears

 either runs a simple OpenGL demo or tells you
 OpenGL can't run.

 Check these links:

http://archives.java.sun.com/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0309&L=java3d-interest&P=26329
http://www.mail-archive.com/java3d-interest@java.sun.com/msg25938.html

http://groups.google.com/groups?group=comp.lang.java.3d&selm=3f91437f%240%241568
8%249b622d9e%40news.freenet.de

  John, please include more relevant information
both in the subject line and body of your posts:
for rendering problems posting information about
your OS and video card helps us solve the problem.

 I had to download and install OpenGL from Microsoft's
site when I was running Windows95, I think OpenGL
comes pre-installed on current versions of Windows,

 I've upgraded from Windows-XX to Linux
to avoid the Micrsoft viruses, DRM amd expense
and I don't want my programs limited to just
one platform when the growth is elsewhere.

 Java & Linux lets you be free, and go to mars ...

 Nasa uses Java3d & VRML for the Mars Rover
 -------------------------------------------
 http://www.frontiernet.net/~imaging/Nasa_3d_animation.html

 -- Paul, Java Developer & Web Animator
 --------------------------------------
Imaging the Imagined: Modeling with Math & a Keyboard

..did u tried change color depth, 4 example: "high color 16bits"; "256 color", "true
color 24bits" ?