Sherry, Google will get heaps of hits on 'Safely Remove Hardware'.  Here's one that apparently explains how to hide it.
http://www.windows-help.net/WindowsXP/howto-07.html

However, if you use any USB devices, I suggest you leave it where it is, as it's main function is ensuring that it's safe to disconnect a USB device, which might be in the process of transferring information.

Ian Porter
Computer Guys Inc.
Arrowtown
New Zealand
[log in to unmask]

The NOSPIN Group
http://freepctech.com

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Sherry Dykes 
  Subject: [PCBUILD] Safely Remove Hardware Icon


  Please forgive me if this doesn't pertain to hardware - I
  initially requested help from PCSOFT but was advised that it was
  more of a hardware issue and should be referred to you.

  I have a desktop computer and am running Windows XP.  One of the
  icons that shows up in my icon bar (down by the clock) is one
  that says "Safely Remove Hardware".  It decides when an item has
  been installed for too long and removes it - I seem to have no
  control.  One of the things that it frequently removes is the
  hard media reader (SanDisk) that I use for viewing and loading
  digital pictures.  There doesn't seem to be any way that I can
  remove the icon - if
  I click on it (either right or left), it simply wants to start
  the process of removing items.  Is there any way that I can
  (permanently) remove this feature?

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