How to: Windows 7 and Media Player 12

I recently upgraded from Vista to Windows 7 Ultimate. I absolutely love it. The only thing I miss / cant seem to figure out is the following. In Vista, when I minimized Media Player, it went to the toolbar but still had options up such as play, pause, volume, artist/song, etc. It doesn't do that with the new windows and I would really like to know if it can be done.
Also, I cant seem to change the default player color. I don't want a new skin, just to change it like you could in Vista.

Thanks

Jump Lists