Windows behavior

Hi,
Recently, the windows began behaving unusual in that I am unable to select another window from the task bar. I have to minimize all the other windows in order to access the one I want. This includes browsers, office apps...anything.
I can click the task bar for the window I want, it appears, but when I attempt to click on it, it hides behind the current window.

This behavior also includes the system tray. I can click the arrow to show hidden icons, that window appears but when I try to select it, it clears and I'm back to square one.

I am running Windows 7 Pro on my desktop. I have not added any new apps and have tried restarting. Also, I have accessed the task manager and killed any processes I knew (avoiding system processes) and had no results.

Any info will be greatly appreciated.

Jake

This problem is sometimes caused by having too many IE tabs and/or windows open (without realizing it --- thinking you've closed them all). Have you checked your iexplore.exe *32 processes in Task Manager Processes list? You may have to end those processes -- which automatically closes all of your tabs and IE windows. If that was the cause of your problem, it will then be resolved.

I don't use IE at all. I either use Opera or Firefox. I also have a habit of checking the processes, open apps and system tray regularly, killing what I am not using - especially the ones that start up behind the scenes.

Thanks,
J