How to put icon for 'desktop' onto Quick Launch toolbar?

I have an Inspiron 9400 laptop; running Windows XP Pro, Service Pak 2, using the 'classic mode', and broadband connection [cable].

I have the 'Quick Launch' Toolbar on the left side of the taskbar, with 4 icons [which are also on my desktop], already in  'Quick Launch'. 

I have several icons showing on the desktop--these have all been prearranged by me in vertical rows.Whenever  I boot my computer the desktop icons always come up as I have arranged them.

Now, however, the icon for 'desktop' which also had been in the 'Quick Launch' area no longer is there.

I tried making a shortcut for 'desktop' and dragging it to the Quick Launch section. But when I click on that shortcut, the desktop opens up with all the icons arranged in horizontal rows  along the top of the window--not the way I had arranged them. To get to my desktop, I now have to minimize everything until only the original desktop is visible. So I have deleted that shortcut from the Quick Launch section.

Is there a way that I can add 'desktop' icon [not  'shortcut to Desktop'] to the Quick Launch toolbar?

Appreciate any suggestions anyone might have. Thanks.

Kimjor