Thanks so much drtoast - yes I meant the start taskbar with windows buttons etc. DONE IT but slightlY different than you suggested because although helpful info, it still wasnt working..then I figured it out! so here's the info for anyone else with windows 7 and has this problem.
RIGHT CLICK ON GREY (TASK BAR STRIP AT BOTTOM OF SCREEN) > PROPERTIES > UNTICK "AERO PEEK" TO PREVIEW THE DESKTOP at the bottom of the box and of course TICK THE "LOCK THE TASKBAR" BOX at the top.
thanks for your help, you've made a girl very happy!