Hidden Icons

[ImLostAgain]

When I'm finished using anything connected to my computer I click the hidden icons symbol in the task bar and choose which item I want to remove,click it and remove it when told as normal. Just lately when I reach the point of clicking the item it is greyed out. It doesn't matter what I have plugged in. I can see it but I get no notice telling me to remove it.
I leave whatever it is I'm using in the machine until after I have switched off but I have forgotten twice.
I'm using windows 10 and Firefox.
I don't think I have changed anything so how do you get it back please?
What could I have done wrong?

[CrapAtCryptics]

If you dismount the item properly as you finish with it the icon should disappear on its own. Its still in the memory as it will stay to restart quicker next time.

[ImLostAgain]

Forgive me, it's late. I thought dismounting it properly was doing as I said, ie clicking it and removing when told. It's what I've always done. Now I cant get to it, so to speak.
Apologies if I'm missing something obvious.

[Buenchico]

The suggestions here might help:
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows8_1-hardware/cant-eject-usb-drives-from-safely-remove-hardware/30a4217f-3e1f-4bef-a2a0-dbd7e9cb387e?auth=1

As mentioned there, if you disable write-caching you can happily unplug USB devices without risk anyway. Also, as mentioned there, you can eject a drive by going to 'Computer', right-clicking on the relevant icon and selecting 'Eject'.

[ImLostAgain]

Ok I've had a quick look at that Buenchico. I'm off to bed now so I'll give it a try tomorrow. Thank you.