Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
You can remove it from the sidebar, but I don't see a way to remove it from the desktop (unless you specify not to show volumes there).

Dan

edit - now I can't seem to get it back in the sidebar - anyone have thoughts?
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.