Too many startup items?

When I start Windows 50% of the time I see my sound card (Creative 24-bit) system tray icon. 50% of the time it's not there. Running XP Home SP2.

What could cause this?

 

Hi,
If you right click on the blank portion of your task bar and then clik 'properties',
do you have a check mark in the little box that says "hide inactive icons" ?

If you do,,,,,uncheck it and then clik Apply and OK.

By the way, what does the speaker icon have to do with the title of your post.
If you really want help with the "too many programs starting up" problem. Come back and ask me. I've got several suggestions on that.

Cheers,
DrRoms

 

It has nothing to do with the having too many startup items, you just proved to me what it was. I get confused easily.