Well, I'm not gonna wade through the mustard here, so here's a photo of the problem (as seen in the Character builder):
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v50/Omikias/glitch.jpg
Now, the problem has spread to in-game as well (despite hopes and prayers) and even includes ship models. No idea whats causing it other than the massive hint I need to update my video drivers despite already having the latest from my laptops manufacturer. If anyone knows a work-around or can help me find a driver for a Sony Vaio (VGN-FS660) or it's on-board NVidia GeForce GO 6200, I'd be a thousand-fold indebted and thankful.

Update: Installed the 156.55 drivers (versus the 70.66 I had before.)