bookmarks toolbar won't appear

In firefox 15.0.1, my bookmarks toolbar suddenly disappeared. I still have the folder marked "Bookmarks Toolbar" in my bookmarks, and it has items. I have the blank space at the top of firefox, because in View-->Toolbars, the bookmarks toolbar line IS checked. I have tried the answers in the various forum pages and they don't work for me. When I check View-->Toolbars-->Customize, up pops the customize window. At that time, the Bookmarks Toolbar Items icon and label appear in the blank space. I can use the customize window to drag items such as a separator or a space into the bookmarks toolbar. However, as soon as I close the customize window, the Bookmarks Toolbar Items icon and label disappear. Any separator or space that I put in, remains. I have tried getting the customize window and hitting "restore default set" and I lose any separator or space, but don't get my Bookmarks Toolbar items back. I have uninstalled and reinstalled firefox, no joy. I hope someone has something else to suggest?