Issues with Windows Aero and Event Log... but not really...?

So I did a search, and it looks like I'm not the first with this issue, but unfortunately the solution was never posted.


When I log in, I get the following error:


"Failed to connect to a windows service. Windows could not connect to the System Event Notification Service. This problem prevents standard users from logging on to the system. As an administrative user, you can review the System Event Log for details about why the service did not respond."


The other symptom is that my desktop theme goes to basic, High Contrast... Windows Aero is not enabled. When I try to enable it, I am told that the Desktop Window Manager service is disabled. When I try to enable it, it's actually already enabled, set to Auto. I disable and re-enable, successfully (i.e. it doesn't crash), but nothing happens.


Also, when I check the System Event Notification Service to ensure it's up, it actually is up, and I can check the logs for errors. Nothing in it seems to be related to Aero, but there are some errors Windows Audio Service hanging (event id 7022, no actual issues... I've used a music service and Skype) and DCOM (event 10016).


I really don't know what I would have changed to cause the error, but I've Restored back to before the error and this didn't help. Don't know where to look at this point. Any help is appreciated.