[Muzzer]

Hi, it could also be because your windows login may have changed for some reason.
Try opening Windows Explorer (hold down the "Windows Key" between CTRL and ALT and press "E"), click on the + by My Computer and then the + by Hard Disk( C: ) and you should see a folder called Documents and Settings. Click on the + by this and you will see some folders including Administrator; All Users; Default User and others. One of these will be your current login profile and you may find another similarly named folder that would be your previous profile that still contains your lost icons . If you click the + and expand these, have a look in the Desktop folder and you may find your missing icons - simply select and copy them back onto your desktop.
Obviously be careful what you're moving and don't delete anything if you don't know what it is.
Having said this, it does sound a little like you have a trojan or similar that has disabled access to some Windows functions. You could try doing a google search for Stinger which is a free McAfee antivirus tool, or go to the Microsoft web page and download and install the new Windows Defender anti spyware tool (this is the replacement for MS Anti Spyware).
HTH
Steve