hourglass comes up when mouse moved over taskbar on startup

[alkz]

hi i dont know what caused this but i am very worried about losing everything on my computer.
when i start it up i cannot left or right click on any icon. when i move the mouse over the taskbar it turns into an hourglass. the start key on the keyboard doesnt function nor does ctrl-alt-del.
the microsoft website suggests it has something to to with ssdp and to right click on the 'my computer' icon. the only problem is, i dont have a my computer icon on my desktop.
any help would be appreciated.

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

Welcome to the Forums.

Does this problem still occur in Safe Mode?
When you start the computer, keep pressing F8 until you get a black menu with white text. Choose Safe Mode.
More info here: http://www.computerhope.com/issues/chsafe.htm