Microsoft Word Picture Problem

[Melanie]

In Word XP, I create a group of drawing objects using Insert, Object,
Microsoft Word Picture. After completing the picture and resetting
the picture boundary, I then close the picture and the object has a
gray background. I found that if changing the object from In Line
With Text, the gray background disappears, but I don't really want to
do that because I don't want the object bouncing around.

Also, when there are arrows and lines (with no arrowheads), the lines
with arrowheads appear darker after closing out of the picture, as
well as in the printed document. It is not the weight or format of
the lines.

Any insight?