1. The blank buttons are often screensaver related so try a different one
or don't use one at all--use power management to shut the monitor off after
a few minutes. Also see:

Icon Is Displayed on the Taskbar After Closing the Screen Saver 280722
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=280722

2. Update your video driver.

3. If the blank buttons started immediately after a software installation,
uninstall that software.


--
Regards

Ron Badour, MS MVP for W98
Tips: http://home.satx.rr.com/badour
Knowledge Base Info:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?pr=kbinfo

"Fred" wrote in message
...
I am using Win 98se. All of a sudden my PC has decided I need a few blank
buttons on the status bar. For no apparent reason it has taken to
producing
blank buttons ad lib. I have counted as many as 24 at times before I
delete
them. There is no information attached to any button - just blank! Any
ideas how I can rid myself of 'the blank button' disease.
Thank you Fred