Taskbar problem

I recently upgraded my OS from XP to XPsp3 and it worked out pretty well for the last few days, until the time came when the taskbar suddenly disappeared and the problem was pretty different from my past experiences. I can't click anything for some reason, and I can't even open the task manager [this means to say I am also unable to perform commands using the keyboard]

To add a little more detail, the taskbar is replaced with a "blue bar" and everytime I hover my mouse around that area, it shows a "busy" cursor. I don't know if I can say it freezes up but I can still move the mouse freely [just can't click on anything]

My last option maybe is to reinstall my OS but before I can do that I wanted to know if there are any possible ways to fix this, I've searched everywhere and I can't find similar problems. Thanks in advance :wave

 

What type of computer do you have?
Have you tried to uninstall sp3 (not the entire op system just the update)

 

I own a Desktop PC if that's what you mean.

I haven't tried uninstalling sp3 yet since I have upgraded it using a cd, not by an update :[

 

I meant the specks and brand. When I tried to install sp3 on one of my computer it gave me tons of errors. I had to go to hp's website and upgrade items from their site before sp3 could be installed on that particular computer

 

What specs exactly?
I can't really determine all the spec details but I have an x86-based PC as my system type, with model P4M266A-8235, File System as NTFS, and a Pentium 4 1.60Ghz as my processor.
Do they help? Sorry I'm not really good at this :cry

 

Turns out that there was actually a virus in my hard drive after all, at first I thought it's unlikely for it to get a virus since it's newly installed [my dad actually inserted an infected diskette while I was away and he was unaware of the virus]
so yes, I ran safe mode and scanned my computer for viruses then it got fixed again

Sorry I guess I got a little carried away of the problem, but thanks for all of your help, I appreciate it :wave