If the Avast! icon is not in the tool bar spinning around is Avast! still protecting my computer or do I need to make sure it is showing in the tool bar?
Thanks.
If the icon is not there, which it should be then try running a repair.
If you check in task manager are the two avast services running ? if so then you are protected but still the avast ball should be displayed.
look in your notification area and see if you have it in always hide.