Sometimes the volume icon disappears in the taskbar

[Phisherman]

Under the sound/volume properties I have the following checked:

__ Place volume icon in the taskbar

I have not figured out why this icon disappears, yet reappears after a
boot. I'm running Windows XP Home Edition Version 2002 Service Pack
2.

This is more of an annoyance, perhaps less so since I have a
volume/mute control buttons on my Microsoft keyboard, but I'd like to
solve this issue or at least understand why this is happening. TIA!

 

[Unknown]

Is it hidden? If not used for a period of time it will be hidden and can be
accessed by clicking on the ball with the
< symbol.

 

[Bruce Hagen]

Right click on the Taskbar | Properties | Customize. Change the behavior to
Always Show.

 

[Bob I]

Sometimes software may "hose" explorer/desktop and then windows will
restart it, at that point icons in the notification area may or may not
reappear. The "program" associated with the "missing icon" is still
running, but it didn't restart so did not set the icon back in the tray.
Figure out what program clobbers the desktop, and cease using it.