The issue is as simple as that. I tried installing elementary OS on a Virtual Machine inside my Windows 8.1 installation and went "great"(meaning there was the usual Linux/VirtualBox issues but it installed and ran fine) so I made the move and created a bootable USB not with Rufus but with that other software suggested by Ubuntu itself, can't recall the name.
Well, I tried re-downloading the image and re-making the bootable USB already but it won't install on my Giada MiniPC for some reason... actually, it installs but there's only the wallpaper after first boot!
If I manually reboot it I get to the login and when I log there's the desktop alone again...tried having my Linux-savvy friend do something about it but it doesn't accept the common commands.
The cursor is there but there's really nothing at all aside from the desktop, why is that? The computer is this one: http://www.giadapc.com/products/minipc/slim%20series/i35B.html
EDIT I forgot to mention I thought about monitor/aspect ratio problems but I tried changing the monitor(I got a normal 22"something Fujitsu working great during installation) and even the cables from HDMI to VGA etc.