Try the Firefox SafeMode to see how it works there.
A troubleshooting mode, which disables most Add-ons.
(If you're not using it, switch to the Default Theme.)

• You can open the Firefox 4.0+ SafeMode by holding the Shft key when you use the Firefox desktop or Start menu shortcut.
• Or use the Help menu item, click on Restart with Add-ons Disabled... while Firefox is running.
  

Don't select anything right now, just use "Continue in SafeMode."

To exit the Firefox Safe Mode, just close Firefox and wait a few seconds before using the Firefox shortcut (without the Shft key) to open it again.

If it is good in the Firefox SafeMode, your problem is probably caused by an extension, and you need to figure out which one.
http://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/troubleshooting+extensions+and+themes

When you figure out what is causing that, please let us know. It might help other user's who have that problem.

Starting the application in the safe mode causes the Bookmark Tool bar to completely disappear. No blank space or anything. If I turn on the Bookmark Toolbar it appears, but after shutting down the app. and restarting, the blank space remains. Where would I get what I need to re install the app.without loseing my bookmarks and contacts?

                                                      Thanks

Open SafeMode again and select Reset toolbars and controls, then hit the Make Changes and Restart button.

Hopefully that will solve it.

No Joy on the fix. I read somewhere about a similar effect from a corrupted file that holds the associated information. Any ideas about that. It still shows up blank but if I go to Bookmarks and Bookmarks Toolbar, it shows all that should be included across the top!

Upgraded to version 10.0 late last night. When it restarted, I was given the opportunity to review all add ons one by one. Since that time, all is working correctly. Thank you for your help. Mark this one solved by magic I guess!