How can I float widgets over my desk top?

Hi:

I am working on a Power Mac Tower running 10.8

I would like to see my widgets floating over my desktop reather then sliding in from the side over a very ungly backgound.

How can I get ride of this background?

I can float my widgets on my other computers but this one....no.

Is there a preference setting that I am missing.

Looking forward to a response and solution.

Thanks,

Rick