Ah ... you are using the "metro" version of IE :) On your Start Screen, right-click the IE icon, then click on Pin to Taskbar.  Then click on Desktop, and open IE from the Taskbar there.  This version of IE will be more versatile for your everyday browsing.
I have recently bought a laptop with Windows 8 installed and internet explorer 10. Funny enough but I can't locate the favorites and menu bar. I have looked at the forum and they all say that it is located at the top right end of the screen where there is a star button. The thing is that there is not a star button there. When I right click on the screen what is shown on the top of the screen is some "tiles" that is websites I have visited. but I can't find a star button. Could you please help me with that?
Favorites and menu bar