taskbar does not respond to mouse pointer?

Answer 1

It is possible that your computer is stuck. You can always hit ctrl +alt + delete to bring up the taskbar manager and go to shutdown-> restart.

Answer 2

Sometimes it gets stuck. Hey, it's Window$. Try this:
Right click on Start and choose Properties. Click on the TaskBar tab and uncheck everything you have checked. Just remember what you had checked. Now hit Apply and OK.

Now right click the Start button again, again the TaskBar tab and recheck everything, hit Apply and OK.
Window$ is like a prodigal child. Really smart but prone to some down right silly behavior. Like forgetting simple task bar settings. You just have to remind it, kind of like a child.