I am unable to access the desktop properties by right
clicking on the desktop (nothing happens at all). I have
XP Pro and wanted to see if antone knew how I might be
able to restore this function. Thanks.

You did not state if it ever worked before. If it did, do a Restore to befor
the problem started. You may have a corrupt file or deleted a file
If Restore does not solve the problem, do this
Start/Run/type CMD and click O
At the blinking cursor type sfc /scannow (space between the c /
Have your XP reinstallation CD ready to insert
XP will search your harddrive for corrupt or missing files and insert them.