I've lost my button and I only just got it a few days ago when I upgraded to Windows XP Home Editon w/ Service pack 2.  It's the "hide inactive icons" button in the notification area, a blue button on XP classic desktop with two white left-pointing chevrons and moves back and forth as I move my mouse pointer to show hidden icons.

 

It wasn't there when I shut down last night, reappeared suddenly after Windows automatically updated this morning on restart and I installed updates to my Microsoft Office programs. But then it disappeared again.  Only the icons for the Norton Anti-Virus and volume are there.

.

In the Task Bar and Start Menu Properties box the "hide inactive icons"  box is checked, but where's that blue button?

 

Help, anyone?  Is this normal behavior or a problem with a fix?

 

Sincerely,

 

MouseB