Taskbar disappearing

The following is what happens after loading an XP image:
First the minimized applications rest just above the Taskbar. Then the next time you boot up the XP OS the Taskbar is missing and the minimized applications are just hovering above where the Taskbar used to be. Also, copy and paste is disabled and Norton Anti-virus is disabled from Live Update and/or running a scan. Is there a fix for this?