See http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=303507 "Black bar appears
across the page when you type text in Word 2002". Yes, I see
that you're drawing a box instead of typing text, but the
solution might be the same.

billybob wrote:

Word 2002

When I insert a text box into a new blank word doc. from the top margin to
the bottom margin, I get a solid horizontal black band about 2" in width
across the bottom inside the text box. I don't what I did to cause this, but
it happens every time. Would any of you knowledgeable members have a clue
as how to eliminate this problem?