I posted a request to learn how to get rid of that bar. What I found
below worked, and reversing it might get back the bar for people who
want it:

You don’t have to uninstall any software to get rid of the on screen
Volume Display.

1. Click the Vista start icon, bottom left.
2. Type RUN in the Start Search box, ENTER.
3. Type MSCONFIG in the OPEN: area, Click OK.
4. Click on Continue if asked.
5. Select the StartUp Tab in the System Configuration menu.
6. Remove the checkmark from the HP Quicktouch On Screen Display item.
7. Click on OK and Restart if required. You are done.

Reverse above procedure to restore to original if desired.


--
Rickw