Windows 7: How do I repair the frozen taskbar

First off: I'm running Windows 7 on a BRAND NEW Lenovo W530

The taskbar appears to be permanently frozen. (When I place the cursor over it, I get the blue circle). I cannot open anything through the taskbar. Nothing happens when I click. In addition there are two batteries displayed on the right hand side. One is blinking, and the other is blank. (I would show a screen capture but I don't know how without accessing the start menu).

I've tried restarting (several times)

I've tried updating and running my norton. This doesn't work, and it shows that my computer is healthy.

I've tried running Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

I've run the hardware diagnostic tests, and nothing is wrong.

Also it seems that too many processes are running for a brand new computer with very little additional software installed. Could this be part of the problem?

I'm completely lost. Any ideas?

Thanks

Welcome to SevenForums.

I'd avoid anything from Norton.

Anyway, see if anything from these tutorials help:

• Clean Up Factory Bloatware
• Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7

Run the System File Checker that scans the of all protected Windows 7 system files and replaces incorrect corrupted, changed/modified, or damaged versions with the correct versions if possible:

• Click on the
• Type CMD on Search
• Left click and Run as Administrator
• Type SFC /scannow

Full tutorial here:

• SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker