This happens when explorer.exe is not loaded. If youve ever had your xp crash for example in my computer, you'l notice explorer.exe is closed and re-loaded again.
It may well be that the file is either not loaded, missing or corrupt.
You could try this:
Once at your desktop, press ctrl + alt + delete
Click the process tab and look for explorer.exe
If you cant see it then chances are it hasnt loaded.
Click the applications tab and select New Task
Click the browse button
Locate to c:\windows\explorer.exe
Your task bar should now load.
If you need more information on this check this out:
http://ask-leo.com/my_taskbar_is_missing_and_i_have_no_start_button_what_do_i_do.html
Johnathan, March 2007
