ScreenSaver "issues" SP2 Related???
Don't feel like the Lone Ranger... I am running XP Pro, and put off installing SP2 as long as I could. So recently, I gave in, and loaded it. Are you using SP2? Did you install it 'recently'?
The screensaver worked initially, but NOW I seem to have the problem you describe, as well as another issue, that of the Volume Icon NOT appearing in the Notification Area (task bar). In browsing for help, I find that there isn't much RECENT help. Most of what I found was from 2002/2003.
I found one place that seemed to offer help, however, it worked initially, then stopped. If you try this and it works consistently PLEASE let me know what you did. http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_s.htm#ss
I'm about ready to remove SP2 - maybe I can get back to the standard annoyances WINDOWS offers.