Maximum PC

I recently built a new computer running 64-bit Win7.
NVIDIA 560ti, HDMI output.
The monitor I bought was around $200, Acer.

When I turn down all color, brightness, etc, the actual screen seems to "glow".

Anyway, its distracting in my games because you can see shades on menu screens and the such. However I noticed something else...

If I play Doom 3, it doesn't seem effected at all. Play a game like Quake Wars or Prototype and I SEE for a split-second, the settings I set in NVIDIA's control panel TURN OFF right before going full screen ; like its not using the brightness/contrast settings I set when on the desktop.

Yeah I'm lost...I'm thinking its the screen itself...just the backlight strength...and I don't think that's adjustable? IDK.