WindowsXP Taskbar Disappears, help!

For some reason, my windowsXP toolbar can only be viewed if I turn on quick launch. When i do that, it comes back. However, nothing minimizes to it. All the quicklaunch and start menu are still operative, but nothing will minimize onto the taskbar. As in, no programs are shown on the taskbar. very annoying. Also, If i turn off quick launch, it disapears again. Even more, if i turn off "lock taskbar" so that you have that added bar above the taskbar that you click to drag it bigger and smaller then when i turn off quick launch the taskbar dissapears but the size bar is left at the bottom of the screen. However, clicking and dragging it up and down will not bring back the taskbar. "Get Bill Gates in Here!!!..."

Mobo: Epox 8K7A+
CPU: AMD Athlon XP2200+
OS: Windows XP pro SP1
HD: WD 80GB
HD: WD 180GB SE
RAM: 2x512MB DDR 2100