Taskbar non-responsive

[RPT]

Okay, I've Googled this and tried a couple of websites looking for an answer, but so far no luck. At times, for no appartent cause, everything in my taskbar will suddenly become completely non-responsive. I can click away all I want on "Start", on quick launch items, on minimized programs, on icons in the system tray ... nothing, nada, zilch. When I go into the control panel and click on "Taskbar & Start Menu", the same ... no response. It just sits there in sullen indifference (that last bit is poetic licence). The only cure is a reboot.
Can anyone shed some light?
Thanks!!

 

[terii]

When this happens and after you reboot, go to the Event Viewer. Scroll down and see if there is any red marks beside an entry. Double click the entry to view it. This is usually a good place to get clues as to what is really happening.

 

[PC eye]

One thing that could correct this is the system file checker that has been included with Windows since 98. You would need to have an installation disk onhand since this will first go through the file verification process. What this will do is repair and/or replace any system files found damaged or missing. You simply type "sfc /scannow" in at the Run prompt off of the Start menu and press enter if available. If not go to the site here to use #99 and #117 to restore either the task manager by itself(99) or both the task manager and the Start menu(117) to their defaults. http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm