Windows 7: No Aero Taskbar Problem

I have Win 7 on an older laptop. It works fine except that there is no Aero. The Taskbar is this "washed out" blue which does not change regardless of what wallpaper is there. I have looked on Google and found seveal threads (most of which are 2009) trying to find a way to change the color of the Taskbar but nothing worthwhile. I was wondering if any of you could tell me how to change the color of the Taskbar that has no Aero. Thanks,

If you are using Windows Classic theme use Windows Color and Appearance and in the drop-down menu go to 3-D Objects and changed color that will change color of the taskbar but it also changes the appearance of the window to.
Jerry

I didn't mention that I had found the Windows Classic, but I was trying to do it with the Windows 7 Basic.

The only way to change the taskbar color on Windows 7 basic is by a custom theme, the basic theme is tied to that Aero theme.
Take a screenshot of your taskbar showing your start button and I may be able to help.
Jerry

I will do that when I get home tonight. Thanks very much.

Have you run the Aero troubleshooter? Type Aero in Start Search box.

Aero isn't supported in windows basic.

That is why I chose Win Basic. My video card is built into my laptop motherboard and is only 32 MB. It will not support Aero. Things are fine except I would like to change my Taskbar color to something dark. I don't really want to use the Windows Classic, but will go to that if I have too.

hi bigmck, i was responding to gregs post , i dont suppose a third part theme can be used can it, i have never used win 7 basic so i dont know if it can be themed, but if it can then im sure its just a case of getting an experienced themer to direct you to a third party taskbar to install. bongo is an experienced themer.

I was suggesting running Aero troubleshooter only because it wasn't yet confirmed the System doesn't support Aero.