Volume Control Disappears

Windows XP Home, Sp. 3

After years of successful operation, the volume control on the taskbar disappeared. If I go to Control Panel-Sounds and Audio Devices-Volume, the "place volume icon in the taskbar" box is checked. If I uncheck/ apply/ ok, then check/apply/ok a couple of times the icon will appear and operates correctly. However, when I reboot the icon is gone again. In "Taskbar and Start Menu Propertiesâ€, the "Hide inactive icons" box is not checked.

What has happened and how do I fix it?

Thank you.

 

The next time it is "gone" look in the device Manager and see if you are having problems with you sound card. See if there is a yellow ! or ? by it or anything else.

 

Thanks for the suggestions.