Start Menu and Desktop Issue

When I originally downloaded windows 10 I had no issues, but then today I had only a black screen with no task bar on my desktop but I had my desktop at least. I restarted my computer cause that is what I naturally do first. When it came back up there was my task bar and desktop but then the stupid start menu thing popped up and will not go away I can't get to my desktop icons. It's either the start menu or a black screen but my icons will pop up briefly as I go in between but I can't get to it. I have to alt/tab through everything. It's frustrating cause I have items I need access on my desktop that I can't get to because of this. I don't know what the deal is...any ideas?