Skype error in Ubuntu 10.10

I am using Ubuntu 10.10 version. Recently I am finding this error. When I used to close the Skype client, then it used to go up to the desktop. (The above panel where time and date are generally displayed.) Now, when I am closing, it gets closed and I don't know where it's located. Then, when I try to sign in again, it says another Skype version is running. Any ideas on how to rectify this.