Task bar icons?

Hi

A couple days ago the networking icon, my internet connection icon, disappeared so i disconnected the modem waited a few seconds re hooked and rebooted, all was well.
Today i was messing with the desk top, quick launch, rearranged items on desk top, had taken the check mark out of quick launch as my sound icon was gone, now after a few more clicks there there the desk top icon is gone in the task bar. Rebooted, still not there. In properties, the volume is grayed out can't get a check in there without trying customize?

The speakers are set sa default , sound works, everything else is ok.

Vista Home Premium 32 bit AMD 64 Athlon X2 4600, Nvidia control panel, 2 gig ram, 160 sata hd, 160 sata hd, 250 ext hd, canon printer epson scanner, on board sound 5.1 and onboard video, ca av, spybot, lavasoft, vista firewall,

i have checked a few places on google, msoft not asked yet.

if you can?
thanks
:confused

 

I may have it cured, i just kept right clicking and checking properties, etc

sorry for the bother
thanks