By the way, I'm sorry if it's been posted before. I tried searching but I really don't have any clue as how to really even describe the problem very well.

I think this started happening a day or two ago. It's a combination of things that I think are related.

I always hibernate my notebook. Before this, when I brought it back to power and the password prompt came up, I just put in my password and logged in. Now, the username and password box just blink and I can't type it in, unless I actually click on the space to enter it in, and after that I can type it in.

Also, when I use Launchy now, after running the quick shortcut to bring it up, I can't just type anymore. Again, I have to click on field where I type first, to make sure I'm actually on that program. It seems as though even though the application launches, my keystrokes still go to the program I was running just before Launchy.

Last thing I've noticed. I usually open files from folders or from my desktop to apps that I'm running by dragging them to the taskbar application that is running (i.e an mp3 file dragged to my media player, then the media player comes up, and I drop the file in the player). Now, it won't do that. The program on the taskbar just begins blinking but it doesn't come up to let me drop the file.

Could be worse, I guess, but once you're used to doing stuff a certain way, these things can be very annoying.

Again, sorry if it's a repost.

Thank you in advance for any help.

I've also just found out that I can't right-click the programs on the task bar (to minimize, close, etc.).

You can try a System Restore to a point prior to your problem:

start > all programs > accessories > system tools > system restore

I should have thought of that sooner. It worked.

I wonder what the actual issue was though, just so I don't make a similar mistake next time or just so I could fix it.

Thank you!

No problem. Glad all is well.

Most likely something you installed altered the registry. This often causes "shell issues" such as "right clicking" as well as basic settings and functions for the START menu and basic navigation.