SIDEBAR ANALOG CLOCK--NO WRENCH ICON FOR TOGGLING SETTINGS

I have an ACER 1410 Netbook running Vista Home Premium--other users whose
desktops I've viewed have a wrench icon that appears when holding the pointer
over the analog clock face (or other gadgets)...I only have a caret pointing
down and an "x" to close the gadget...why can't I see the wrench and left-
and right-pointing "arrows" that allow enhanced toggling of features in the
gadgets?

I appreciate any help with this annoying issue.

THANK YOU.
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ALL ABOUT ME/goobmeister