The menu you speak of is simply a folder of SHORTCUTS. If they are deleted then the menu would be empty too.
But there is this MALWARE out there that hides this and files. Let's read a link from Grif where he notes Unhide.exe and recovering from that pest.
But first. Since it's just shortcuts, why not make new shortcuts in those menus? It's a basic Windows skill so I'll skip how to create shortcuts and supply a link to Grif's discussion.
Read http://forums.cnet.com/7726-19411_102-5107759.html
Bob
When i click on Start/Programme/Anything the folders are all empty like Microsoft Office but all my Applications work, To start anything new I have to go to an old word document or access database and select new from there. Some suggested using Start / Run / Get my Applications back visible in their folder..Thanks For Any Help
Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic