Windows 7 obnoxious volume control override

[mswrites]

When listening to audio I lower the volume from the task bar volume control, a popup control bar appears on the desktop and runs the volume wide open. I lower it and it runs it back up. I essentially have no volume control. It's always wide open.

How do I get rid of this and where did it come from?

please!!

 

[Joe S]

What program are you listening with?
Joe

 

[mswrites]

I really don't even have to listen to a program. I just click on the the volume control icon and up pops this horizonal bar representing another volume control. When I slide the volume down it takes it back up to full. Also I cannot mute the speakers.