I don't know why but my laptop screen (Lenovo Thinkpad SL300) suddenly turns black after turning down the volume and then comes back, with ugly problems, after turn it up. It started happening after doing some changes on Compiz.
Please try unity --reset in terminal – TachyonsOct 10 '12 at 11:13
solved: "jupiter" was the problem. at least i uninstalled it and no more black screen with the volume button after. thanks a lot – garridoOct 12 '12 at 23:19