Desktop icons not showing

First of all let me explain that I am in the hospital and my ability to respond as quickly as I would like is impaired.

I have a Dell  M4800 laptop/workstation with me. It began to stop displaying my desktop icons. I only get the bottom line to the left of the system tray. If I right click the system tray I do see the "show desktop" option. It is not checked. If I check it it does not bring the desktop back. It does accept my click to show the desktop. My operating system is Windows 10 64 bit. I thought it was a new installation of Fences 3 but, after  un-installation of Fences 3 it did not help. I am anxious to try any and all "easy first" suggestions.