Customize Tool Bars Puzzle

My desktop computer (HP) is running Vista Ultimate 64-bit, SP-2,
IE-8, WM-6, classic mode, dial-up.

My laptop computer (Acer Aspire One) is running XP Home Edition, version 2002,
SP-3, IE-8, classic mode, via wi-fi spots.

On my home computer, in IE8, if I right-click on one of the
upper toolbars I get a menu, the last item on it being
"Customize". That leads to another menu, the last item on
it being "Add or remove commands". If I hover over that
option, I then get a menu to add and remove commands - and
it works fine on my home computer.

On my laptop the "Add or remove commands" option is grayed
out, and not available. Is there a way to make it operable?

(Both computers current with updates.)

Thanks.