How to remove Windows "Orb" on Taskbar

Is there a way to remove the Windows "Orb" on the left side of the taskbar and still be able to access the Start Menu. It may have something to do with having Aero enabled, but I am pretty sure I dont have the orb on my other machine at work that has Aero enabled. I dont like the way it covers the file information in Explorer...... it never goes away, even when the taskbar is hidden!! ......... Anyone know how to disable it without disabling Aero?
Thanks

Alternatively, you can use a 100% transparent/blank .bmp or .png file with either Blizo's Startorbz or Kishan's start orb changer. You'll still be able to access the Start Menu like you normally would.

Thanks alot for the replies... Ill try them and post what works best for me.

Maguscreed said:

That's not normal behavior if you have the taskbar on autohide the button should slide down with the rest of the task bar.
Have you added any third party theme software?

That was it....... I had Iconoid installed with the hide taskbar option also checked(along with Windows hide TB). I think the double hide taskbar action caused the problem.

Thanks