Windows 7 - Empty cd.dvd drives don't show in WExplorer

This is a fresh install of Windows 7/64 after a HD crash requiring a new C:\ drive (for OS and programs). I opted for an Intel X25-M 80 GB SSD in place of the WD 740ADFD that failed.

I don't see my cd/dvd drives in Windows Explorer unless I put a disc in them and somehow prompt the system to look for it. This did not occur in my previous install of Windows 7/64 on the Raptor. All the drives showed up in that installation. I don't understand the difference.

The media drives don't show up in Disk Management window but they do show up in the lower window and also show up in Device Manager. The K drive below is one of the drives from the internal card reader. They don't show up in WE either.



I have two sata drives (C and D) and the E drive is IDE. The two missing dvd drives are both internal sata drives.

I checked folder options and removed the check from hide empty drives, but no change.

Any suggestions?

Here's another pic of Windows Explorer which illustrates the issue a bit better. Note in the right pane all the drives are listed. Yet in the left pane, the removable drives do not show.