No console from X

[Ed Jabbour <ejbr@att.net>]

I can't get to a console from X.  I.e., alt-ctrl-f1, 2 .... get me only a 
black screen with no prompt.  The same thing happens if I try "console login" 
from kdm.  inittab is the default.  Graphics driver NVidia 173.14.09.  Any 
hints, pointers, appreciated.