I have an acer aspire which is only 2 months old. Usually my screen is very bright, however it is now very dim and i cannot increase the brightness because it says it is at its maximum. I know for a fact the screen can become a lot brighter than this and i am confused as to why this has happened. Does anyone have any ideas of solutions ?

If you have tried all of the settings, used the "hot key" to set it on maximum brightness, & you are still having trouble with it When the power cord is plugged in [sometimes it is dimmed when it is unplugged to save power] then you should contact Acer's technical support. Also check your owner's guide.

what exacly is the hot key ?. FN + the arrows do work in brightening my screen however, because it is supposedly as its maximum brightness they will not make me screen brighter

You will have to look in your manual for the hot key. If it is a maximum brightness something wrong with either the graphics chip or the screen but probably the screen. Considering how new it is that shouldn't be happening. Contact Acer for an RMA because there is nothing you can do..