Here is a tip on how to set the time for how long balloon messages will stay up so you can have time to access them.

In Windows 7 it's under "Ease of Access". Type Ease of Access in to the search box in the start prompt. In the Ease of Access Center go to, "Make it easier to focus on tasks", and hit enter. Near the end of the options that come up is a combo box with different time settings to adjust the time that those balloons stay on screen.