ever have a game break its color?

I just received a Robin Hood / Sir Lancelot cart from ebay. it is currently the only atari game I have that won't play in color...
WHY?!

I was just wondering, is this something that happens sometimes, or is this a common issue with that game or double ender carts in general, or what?
obviously I want to figure this out because it's a rare game and it wasn't cheap.

I cleaned the cart on both ends and still only plays in black & white.

The cart says Made in U.S.A., so I know it's not a PAL cart (right??) (and I can't check if this is normal because the 2600 database here doesn't have a cart scan for this game)
Because I read something about NTSC games not appearing in color on PAL systems, so I thought maybe it works the other way around too...
but that was just a thought because like I said, I don't think the cart is PAL.

I tried switching the system (4 switch) on and off a lot fast, and still no changes. same with the b/w /color switch.

I'm glad the game works, but I really would like to enjoy it in color.

any suggestions?
keep in mind my system only has this issue with this game