Cannot disable touchpad

When typing the cursor jumps all around. I use a wireless mouse, have no use for the touchpad.  I have disabled it in the past, but it always starts working again even if I save the setting.  Now the touchpad icon does not show when I go to Mouse in control panel, yet pad keeps working.  Reloaded and installed the Dell driver.  Still no touchpad icon.  I am about ready to put duct tape over the touchpad.  Help!!!