What i normally do is i look for websites, the good-looking ones, to inspire me and at the same time get some ideas. It's not just getting inspired this time, it's also about learning.
i suggest you test your 2 sites first on the latest version of Firefox, IE, Flock, Opera, and Safari.
If they work on the latest versions, then, they'd probably work on the older ones.
your site looks fine, hmmm using black and other dark colors is sometimes applicable for some niche. it's just depends on the market you're promoting and how you've fused all your designs on the site.