Have you tried right clicking the start button, then going to properties and under the start menu tab select customize, then go to the advanced tab under customize start menu. You should see a list...

I asume that you are removing it by right clicking the taskbar and unselecting it under tool bar? Or are you just right clicking on the language bar itself and clicking close language bar? Either...

After the fresh install did you use the Network Identification Wizard to try and join the domain?

Hit F8 on start up and you can select safe mode from the list. Are you using the computer while trying to use disk clean up if so try to start it at a time when you will not be using it for a few...

Have you tried booting using last known good?

someone needs to burn me a copy i cant believe i missed out.