missing control box next to visible box in layer pallet

If you're looking for the link button, you no longer need it as much as you used to. You can select multiple layers now by clicking on layers while holding Shift (to select all those in between) or Control (PC) or Command (Mac) to select multiple individual layers. Alternatively, you can group layers. I rarely need to link layers anymore with these other (newer) methods.

While the column of link buttons is now gone, you can still link layers. Select multiple layers and click the Link button at the bottom of the Layers panel.

What version are you using?

Or are you looking for the Layer Styles Dialog box?

What do you mean control box? Are you confusing it with the lock toggle that is next to the visibility toggle that is in Illustrator?