Hi Brendan,

I am assuming you are referring to the icons and taskbar
missing from the desktop.

This is thought to be caused by some sort of spyware.
The steps in this article should fix the empty desktop.
Blank Desktop or Illegal Operations Error Message After
You Install Internet Explorer:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;249191
Removing and preventing spyware:
Ad-aware is a free multi spyware removal utility that scans
your memory, registry and hard drives for known spyware
components and lets you remove them safely. After installing
Ad-Aware make sure to run the update feature before scanning.
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/

SpywareBlaster:
http://www.wilderssecurity.net/spywareblaster.html
SpywareBlaster doesn't scan and clean for spyware - it
prevents it from ever being installed. SpywareBlaster is
a non memory resident utility. It works by setting a "kill bit"
for the CLSIDs of spyware ActiveX controls, it prevents the
installation of any of them from a webpage.

For more information:
The Parasite Fight:
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
Darnit:
http://www.mvps.org/inetexplorer/Darnit.htm#tshoot
Dealing with Unwanted Spyware and Parasites:
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm