IE8 Protected Mode Off with UAC On

I have ensured my user a/c control is set to maximum i.e. Always notify.

But noticed in bottom right-hand corner of IE8 that protected mode is off?

With IE tools > internet options > security the relevant check boxes are ticked to enable this feature.

I'm using AVG (free version) and that is fine but why oh why does IE8 say protected mode is off?

There is only a single user a/c on this machine so I am the administrator. I am launching IE8 is the usual normal way by clicking on the icon in my quick launch section of the taskbar.

Thanks

I use Firefox, so I don't use Internet Explorer, but does anything pop-up if you right click that area?

appreciate the response but if you don't even use IE8 then not sure if you can help

anyone up for a challenge here?

Try the option "Reset all zones to default Level" (it's on the Internet options/Security)

jav said:

Try the option "Reset all zones to default Level" (it's on the Internet options/Security)

yup tried that - didn't make any difference

I've tried all the reset options and closing down IE8 and restarting it but it STILL says protected mode off?

could it be spyware??