No Taskbar Buttons for Open Programs

[Bill]

Hi...
When I open programs no buttons appear in the taskbar. If
I right click the taskbar, choose Properties, and select
(Or UNSELECT...it makes no difference) "Group similar
taskbar buttons," the programs open will then show as
a "Group," never as individual buttons.

I either have no program buttons, or, I have a group.

Also, the word "Links" does not appear to the left of the
arrow.

Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks