I did checked the image file and the ajax_preview.png image is in the directory,

I also took the default directory from the Off Topic forum, that is the forum that still has the balloon present on the forum,

I renamed the default directory to default2 from the forum I'm having issues with then took the default directory from the off topic forum, the forum that still has the balloon present and uploaded to the troubled forum, after uploading the directory the balloon is still a no show. its hiding somewhere,

what file directs the forum to show the balloon. possible issues there.
also if I update the forum that would most likely fix the issue right now I'm using 2.4.9