Sounds like a problem with Gnome Panel. I had similar problems for a while and it was due to a failed update killing my Window List panel applet.
The windows probably don't really go away, they just have no display for their minimized chiclets or the display is hidden.
If you can minimize the window and then Alt-Tab switch back to it, then this is what you're encountering too.
First thing to try is look if the Window List got squeezed off to the edge of the panel.
Start by opening a couple programs (a terminal and a Gedit window work well) do you have something in the window list if it's present; don't minimize them, just have them up and running.
Look to the right part of your Gnome panel where you normally see the window chiclets and look for it's grab-icon (look at the attached, tiny, image for an example)
If there's one there, try dragging it left to see if it's the Window List misplaced. If it is, drag it way over left, log out and back in, and you should be good.
If there isn't one, then you may need to re-add it.
You may add it by right-clicking on the main gnome panel bar (whichever one normally holds your minimized windows) in the empty space.
Choose "Add to Panel"
Scroll down to "Window List" (at the bottom)
Click the "Add" button.
Resize the new window list by dragging it's grab-icon (the same attached tiny image) if needed.
==Joseph++
betty wrote:
> desperately need help here.
> every time i try to minimize ANY window, whether firefox, thunderbird or
> my home folder, it goes away (closes). i had this happen before , but
> i forgot what i did to fix it. :(
>
> i tried restarting the computer and also tried shutting down and
> restarting to no avail.
>
> any ideas?
> thank you
> betty i
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