Windows XP taskbar not switching windows

[villager]

My XP taskbar is no longer allowing me to switch between IE windows or windows from other applications except without a round of minimizing the open windows. It just turns orange. I checked the properties on the taskbar but no settings to correct. Anyone know how ot fix this?

 

[xpoptical]

ctrl+alt+del go to proccesses and end explorer.exe the startbar and desktop will disappear. then go to applications click new task and type explorer.exe that gives a fresh taskbar!