panels disappear when i switch workstations

[Racoffey]

I put an applet on my lower panel to switch between workspaces and when I use it, I can only get to workspace 2, then the panels disappear. the only way to get back to workspace 1 is to start a program from the desktop.
I'm figuring, sense the applet was working a few days ago, that I put something on my box that conflicts with the workspace program or I accidentally took the program off.
So,
1 What program controls the workspaces, so i can verify i have it running
2 How do I check to see if it has a conflict with something else?
3 If I don't have it on, which packet do I need to install to get it back to running?


Thank You for the assist.

[kyphi]

The Workspace applet is added to the panel (top or bottom according to your preference) by a right click on the panel, Add to Panel and selecting "Workspace Switcher". Then you can right click on the workspace applet, select "Preferences" and select how many workspaces you want and if you want them in one row or two. I work with four workspaces. Don't forget to select "Lock to Panel" when done.

[Racoffey]

I don't have a problem installing or knowing how to use the workspace applet. The problem is, when i use it, the panels on the top and bottom of my screen disappear. At which point I no longer have an applet to get back to the first workspace or to go on to the next workspace. If I open a folder from the desktop, it will put me back in the first workspace and i will have the panels back. So, right now, i have 4 workspaces, i can put programs into all 4, but i can only get to the second one. any guesses as to how to fix this. and installing the workspace switcher applet by itself isn't the answer. not using workspaces is AN answer but they do come in so handy, i'd hate to go without them.

more coffee

[kyphi]

Compiz is known to have had this effect in the past, documented over several years.
If you have desktop effects enabled go into the CompizConfig Settings Manager (under Preferences) and turn some of these off to see which one is causing a conflict with your panels.
You can reset your panels if you have access to a terminal, by using the command "killall gnome-panel" but that is only a temporary solution.