I'm having similar problems, but I am using a Toshiba Notebook with a monitor attached.
I updated the Nvidia and Toshiba drivers, I get through the black screen with cross-hairs to the menu...but, no Pilot or Aircraft are visible, and when I load a mission it's back to the desktop but with engine sounds...Ah well, hopefully a patch will sort it.
Specs:
Win 7 32bit
2.66Ghz
4GB Ram
Nvidia GT330M 1GB (Driver 267.76 Notebook)
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