scroll bar/slide bar disappears after a few seconds very anoying

windows 8 sucks and is not worth the money to upgrade. typical of ALL engineers, who create new and "BETTER" operating systems whether it be an ignition switch [GM], an  8 speed automatic transmission { Jeep Cherokee} or some other part or piece of equipment as an upgrade, it should be remembered and impressed on engineers that tried and true are best left alone and stop screwing up what works . Microsoft really messed up here and aren't even trying to help their customers on the issues with windows 8. I'm finished with windows, good ridence

Exactly!  I also find it maddening that the "helpers" answer the question with a question, asking for more information, before they can provide the answer.  How stupid are these help personnel any way?  Use your windows 8 computer for more than 10 minutes, man, and you won't have to ask us what we're talking about!

I am using windows 7 Professional and this started with installation of IE11 and related updates and security updates on 5/13/14. It is only when I use IE11. Hope I will see an answer below.

I believe it is intentional. While perusing content that requires the use of the vertical toolbar, one ends up clicking on the ADVERTISEMENT in the position previously occupied by the scrollbar, thus SELECTING and OPENING nuisance ads.  No doubt this is a bow by MS (and likely a perk that cost advertisers more for that sweet spot on our desktop) to Google other search engines that get a nickel for each time we click that ad.

Exactly!  I also find it maddening that the "helpers" answer the question with a question, asking for more information, before they can provide the answer.  How stupid are these help personnel any way?  Use your windows 8 computer for more than 10 minutes, man, and you won't have to ask us what we're talking about! 

Yea they know whats going on, its so obvious that it was a joke reply from a joke company that instead of listening and making the improvements that its frustrated customers want, just treats us with contempt.

Seems to me that theyre trying to catch up with Apple and Android operating systems, which are far superior and trying to develop an OS thats all things to all men (and women), instead of developing a seperate system for portable devices and keeping one for desktops and non touch screen devices (Windows 7?).

You can almost feel the arrogance...this is our strategy...were doing it our way and screw opinon!

So whats the alternative?

Like a lot of people I cant afford to pay a premium for Apple so Ill be upgrading my old XP desktop to windows 7... wether Microsoft like it or not and using that but mostly using my ANDROID tablet, which is so much easier and less frustrating than Windows 8.1. As for this Windows 8.1 laptop ive just bought, Ill keep learning it and putting up with the operating systems failings for now. To be honest it wouldnt be that bad if they made the improvements their customer want but I wont hold my breath.

It will end up spending most of its time closed and sidelined. Hopefully that will be the fate for Windows 8.1 until they make the improvements their customers want.