Not sure if this is a Vista problem or some type of malware or IM downloaded icon. The icon appeared after one of my kids was on PC. Do not know if she was in an IM program or not. The "volume control" icon can not be removed. Can't right or left click to get info or even move or delete it. Can't find any associated program that was installed in the last 2 days. Anyone ever have or seen this problem?

Are you talking about the volume control icon next to the clock (it looks like a loudspeaker). If yes, this is one of the 3 basic icons (on a laptop you have a 4th one for battery) in the notification area. It should have been there all the time.
If it is not that one, maybe you can post a picture so that we know what it could be.

The icon is on my desktop screen. It isn't the standard system tray icon next to the clock. It's almost like an imbedded pic. I'm currently running a virus/adware/malware scan to see if it finds it. I will post a screen shot (if possible) of it after the scan if it is not removed.

Thanks,
Warlock01

The virus/adware/malware scan was able to remove the unusable/false volume icon.

Good, glad to hear that.