Windows 7: IE 8 Protected Mode

I'm using MSE.
I have enabled protected mode. IE 8 says its off, why?
ty

Are you running with UAC off and or as the hidden administrator account?

UAC is at lowest level.
I am the admin but its just the user account from install of 7.
I hid nothing???

Despite popular myth even if you use the "Real Admin" account it is NOT off even though it says so on the IE Taskbar.

Protection Mode by default runs at "LOW", when you use the "Admin Account" it runs at "LOWER".

You can prove this by turning it off and you will get a drop down bar up top of IE instantly warning you.

To have it ON, you need to have UAC turned on, either the default level or max.

Does virus ware protect IE 8 anyways?

Antivirus software protects from viruses, not buffer overflows or exploits in software. Not running as an administrator (UAC on) protects against those.

a good read here...........Internet Explorer Protected Mode - Turn On or Off