I'm not sure that you could change the color of the taskbar without Aero unless you are using some sort of 3rd-party skinning app like WindowsBlind etc.
Other experts here may correct my statement.
Hope this helps and regards
My Computer
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Custom
OS
Win7 HP (x64)/Win7 Ultimate (x64)
CPU
Core i7 920
Motherboard
Intel X58
Memory
6 x 2GB Corsair XMS3
Graphics Card(s)
CF HD4890
Sound Card
Asus Xonar
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell 2408WFP
Screen Resolution
1920 x 1200
Hard Drives
2 x 150GB WDC Velociraptors (Raid 0)
1 x 1TB Seagate
1 x 1.5TB Seagate