Restoring the Windows Volume Control
"The volume icon in my system tray isn't there anymore. It isn't one of the hidden icons, it's actually gone. How do I get it back so I can easily access the volume controls?"
You'll need to make a change in the Windows XP Control Panel for Sounds and Audio Devices (or Sounds and Multimedia in 2000 and Me, or just plain Multimedia in Win 98). Browse to Start > Control Panel > Sounds and Audio Devices to get started.
On the volume tab of the Sounds and Audio Devices Properties, check the box next to Place the volume icon in the taskbar. Click OK, the little speaker icon representing the sound controls will be back in your system tray. If the box is already checked and the icon still doesn't show in your system tray, uncheck the box and then recheck it.
To activate your change, click OK.