Task bar suddenly missing and Windows Key not working

[Wingnut1000]

I think I have Windows 10(64 bit). How can I tell?

My problem is that after having the laptop for about 15 months and using it for very little other than browsing and YouTube (Chrome), the Taskbar has disappeared. When I hover in the area I get the wait wheel. Pressing the Windows key doesn't bring anything up either; no messages just a blink of the screen. I also cannot open Display or Personalize settings using the right mouse click. After about 30 seconds i get the message - MS-Settings/Display (or Personalization): This file does not have an app associated with it for performing this action. Please install an app or, if  one is already installed, create an association in the Default Apps Settings page.

I can still open apps with an icon on my desktop like Chrome. And I can get the Task Manager up with Ctrl/Alt/Delete.

Help please. I'm at a loss.

[WAWood]

Here's an online article on issues with the taskbar being hidden:

https://www.pocket-lint.com/how-to-fix-disappearing-taskbar-on-windows/#:~:text=The%20Windows%20task....