VZW TP2 taskbar functionality?

[mjd9ball]

Sorry, I have a real noob question; forgive me I'm new to the game. I am wondering what the taskbar functionality is supposed to be. If I tap anywhere on it, I just get the new notification screen. Does that mean I shouldn't expect to tap the volume icon, and get volume controls, battery icon for power settings, etc...? I have searched, and am continuing to search for this but haven't found anything yet so try not to crucify me if this has already been hashed and re-hashed.

I have installed .No Curtains, At0mAng LEO slider, C07 Transparent Slider Only, and Clock White Digit, but no taskbar icons yet. Thx in advance...