When I right click the taskbar to enable the windows media player the list is inactive, I can enable other stuff on the list other ways, like quick launch, but the list doesn't respond, is there a way to activate the list?

Is this a home computer or a computer at your workplace?

Compaq home computer already loaded with 32bit windows xp.

Unlock the taskbar first then try again.

Go to Start - Run, type in gpedit.msc and hit Enter.
Navigate to User configuration - Administrative Templates - Desktop. Now check out settings on the right pane. You have to disable or make into Not configured this setting:
Prevent adding, dragging, dropping and closing the Taskbar Toolbars and
Prohibit adjusting Desktop toolbars
That's it :)