taskbar problem

[mama]

when i minimise a programme, for instance internet explorer it should go inot the taskbar at the bottom of the screen. but well it doesnt and this is rather frustrating as you can imagine. the only thing that minimises into the taskbar is itunes and windows media player, but this is only when they are on their miniplayer mode. the taskbar itself is there with the start button and time and all that but nothing goes into it. is there any way to cure my computer? as i have run many virus checks and nothing has come up

[yellowjohn]

you may have tried this but how about using system restore to go back to when all was ok.