This is probably stupid but I don't see very well. There's a red vertical stripe to the left of my tracks. How did it get there what does it do and how do I make it go away? Sorry.
WSS

I meant vertical. Sorry.

Each track has a color assigned.  It sounds like all of yours are red so when stacked they create the stack you're talking about.  If you click directly on it, a color palette will open and you can choose which color you want for each track.  My vision is not to great either so it helps me target specific sites if I know there's a color key that goes with it.  For instance, I'll use a green for vocals but have the lead vocal a bit yellower.  Does that seem to address your issue?

No, not actually. It looks like 8 of my tracks are linked together somehow. My arms track one to record and all 8 tracks became highlighted.

It's a very thin line right to the left of the tracks, all 8 of them. And right below the first date on the console View at the bottom.

WSS

This

from http://www.cakewalk.com/Documentation?product=SONAR&language=3&help=ExternalDevices.14.html?

That makes sense. I right clicked on that red line and it said MCU or something and I have a Mackie control emulated surface
Thanks.
WSS

Those are the tracks assigned to your control surface(s) which you can see under preferences -> control surfaces

Thanks, that's correct. I just don't remember it existing when I was using my Roland V 700 Hardware last month.
WSS

Called the WAI (Where Am I) strip.
it tells you which tracks your Mackie is assigned to. I also use Mackie control (MCU). lets me know which of my motorized faders are controlling what track. but im sure you know this now, good luck.

Thanks Chuckie
In my case it should be WTFAI. :)
WSS