Windows XP icons and display

I have a problem with my icons on the desktop. At one time the background of the text was transparent.Now it no longer is.
Also in my attempts to correct this I noticed that in my users accounts screen the column to the left, named (learn about [that column lists user accounts, user account types, and swithcing users)]. Those items have a red " X " on the button. I dont know if these two problems are related.
I can not access the task manager on this windows account, although, it is a administrator account. I try to do this by pressing CTRL ALT DEL. all other functions are available in that window except task manager.It is greyed out.

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