I'm afraid I can't really help other than to say CursorFX works flawlessly for me on 8.1 64 bit, even on the metro page. So, apparently, something else is at play which is causing the problem.

When I have seen issues like this it is due to a corrupt CursorFX Theme file.

Loadup CursorFX and choose Windows Default Theme and apply.  Now Reboot.  Now try duplicating the same error you've seen...the cursor should no longer dissappear.

Make note of the theme file that was in use when error occurred and delete it.  You can try re downloading the theme file again from Wincusomize.

Why CursorFX theme files sometimes go bad I don't know...but it is the most common cause for CursorFX issues of this type.

What version of CursorFX are you running?

CursorFX Plus version 2.11works great on window 8.1 64 Bit here. 

Same here 

2.11 on 64 bit os here. sadly, it doesn't matter which cursor theme i use. the one i liked to use before win8 is stardock's 'position' cursor but every cursor chosen vanishes on the start screen.

I use the exact same thing John, even the Position cursor, no issues whatsoever on Windows 8.1.

It has to be some other program/setting conflicting with CFX.

John, try running CFX in Windows 7 compatibility mode?

Just a sugg.

Have you used a previously downloaded copy of CursorFX Plus version 2.11?

Download the newer version 2.11 from your Stardock accounts page (which unfortunately had the same version number as the previous copy) which fixes the start screen issues with cursors.

Cheers

downloaded cfx today from the stardock site. compatibility mode doesn't work either. other than windows 8.1 64-bit, the only apps installed are office 2013, firefox, itunes, iconpackager, shadowfx, vipre, and the windows phone apps.

i appreciate all your suggestions but thus far success eludes me.

Try uninstall CursorFX first ,then cleaned all of its files on the root. If could,clean registry also. The best way would be running the cleansed tool which provided by Stardock,yet beware that the other Stardock apps will be gone too,if must.  

it's a brand-spanking new installation of windows that we're talking about. i formatted Sunday afternoon. i appreciate your input, gaspershooters.