where's the toolbar network icon in windows me

What toolbar?

If you mean the Network icon is missing in Windows Explorer, see if these comments help, even though they refer to Windows XP.

Have you perhaps set up a shared folder and then deleted the share folder shortcut in My Network Places?

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=106207

You could also confirm you have the "Client for Microsoft Networks" selected in network properties.  You may have to select "add", and then the appropriate client name.

Also check to see if the Icons are just hidden by right clicking on Task Bar(at bottom of Desktop), selecting "Properties", then "General" and "Advanced" tabs, you may find the problem is there.   Uncheck(untick) "auto-hide" the task bar, for example.

I read all of your solutions, but perhaps  I am asking the wrong question.

 In Win XP, you can click on My Network Places, and then click on View My Connections. On the Local Area Connection, you can choose Properties. On the properties panel, you can check the box that says "Show Network Icon when connected." That's the icon that I want to appear on my taskbar at the bottom right hand side of my desktop.

I've looked in Network Places in Windows ME, and I see nothing there that will allow me to see the Local Area Connection or to view my connections. I also have looked in the properties page of Client for Microsoft Network, and I don't see it there. Maybe this option is just not available in Wwindows ME.

Nevertheless, I appreciate all of your expert responses. Thanks!

Thanks, DMTechGroup - I'll try it out!