When i try to run the game it will show me the timer countdown, then a black screen, then the opening cinematic. However when i get to the main menu the screen goes black, i can hear the game in the back ground, and when i go to my task manager i can briefly see the menu, but it won't actually let me see it otherwise. Any suggestions? Very much want to play this game.

Have you tried windowed mode? This thread has some info on it: http://www.gog.com/en/forum/space_rangers_series/i_cant_play_sr2

You'll have to dig around a bit but it talks about setting up windowed mode.

I've posted a fix for "only cursor on black screen" problem here: http://www.gog.com/en/forum/space_rangers_series/black_screen_at_menu_not_laptop/post4