Dark/Randomly unresponsive touch screen

[lowfatpoptarts]

For starters I experienced the dark/dim screen issue that I managed to trudge my way through with a flashlight and the patience of a monk. Once past set up I figured all I had in my way was finding where brightness was to adjust it, but upon going into apps and getting the pop-up tutorial message I can't seem to get rid of it.

The tablet does not respond to my touching okay, but I can back out just fine. Going into chrome and youtube work without a hitch.

Is there any way I can get around this? Tech support has had me on hold for... ever?