I see this problem on a fresh install of xubuntu 11.04 (Natty) with an openvpn connection. I normally use the Tango icon theme, but the problem shows up with the GNOME and elementary icon themes as well.
I'm attaching screen shots illustrating the network manager tray icon before, during, and after the vpn connection is established. Notice that the lock emblem appears temporarily while the vpn is connecting but then disappears, and that the plug-and-cable icon disappears while the vpn is connecting but then reappears. (I wonder if the two icons might be covering each other up.)
I see this problem on a fresh install of xubuntu 11.04 (Natty) with an openvpn connection. I normally use the Tango icon theme, but the problem shows up with the GNOME and elementary icon themes as well.
I'm attaching screen shots illustrating the network manager tray icon before, during, and after the vpn connection is established. Notice that the lock emblem appears temporarily while the vpn is connecting but then disappears, and that the plug-and-cable icon disappears while the vpn is connecting but then reappears. (I wonder if the two icons might be covering each other up.)