create a white rgba / CSS3

The code you have is a white with low opacity.

If something white with a low opacity is above something black, you end up with a lighter shade of gray. Above red? Lighter red, etc. That is how opacity works.

Here is a simple demo.

If you want it to look 'more white', make it less opaque:

background:rgba(255,255,255, 0.9);

Demo

For completely transparent color, use:

rbga(255,255,255,0)

A little more visible:

rbga(255,255,255,.3)