Taking pictures in nearly dark with IXUS65

Canon IXUS65
When I point the camera at an object in nearly dark surroundings it shows a bright clear picture in the display but as soon as I press the shutter release to focus the display goes black. It also takes a picture that is virtually black. If I download the picture onto my Mac I can lighten quite well with iPhoto. But why will it not take a picture like is shown in the display. I have tried all the various settings always the sam The display shows a relatively clear and bright picture till I press the button on the top.
One of the reasons I bought this camera in the first place was that it was advertised as being able to take pictures in nearly dark. My Canon Video Camera MXII can do it.

Any one know why? I have asked two photographers and sent a mail to Canon no-one can give me an answer.

Many Thanks in advance

Steve

What mode are you in? What other settings have you set? Can you provide some examples? What happens if you put the camera in full auto and allow the flash to fire?

I've tried all the modes the same happens in all of them When I use flash it works but then only the forground is lit up to around 2 meters, which is normal with small flash. What I don't understand is why I can sse a well lit picture in the display but as soon as I press the shutter relaese the picture ist completely black. I can try to photograph the camera itself with another camera Can I post pics here?

many thanks Steve