"computer" only shows "filesystem", no partitions, cd drive, etc

[libihero]

i put this problem under absolute beginners under a different name when i didnt really understand the problem. hopefully someone here can help
when i open "computer", the only thing that is shown is "filesystem". usually it also showed my different partitions, a "generic usb" and "cd/dvd drive".
i think this all happened after an ntfs update
when i go to "disk utility", everything does show.

[libihero]

bump

[Richard1979]

You might be logging in as root.
Did you set up a username for yourself when you installed?

[libihero]

ya i did. it used to show it, but after an update or after i did something i dunno what, it just disappeared
also when i plug in a usb into my laptop, it doesnt show on the desktop either

[libihero]

ya i did. it used to show it, but after an update or after i did something i dunno what, it just disappeared
also when i plug in a usb into my laptop, it doesnt show on the desktop either

[Richard1979]

Does it show your username when it starts up, then you can click it to type your password?

[libihero]

yes it does. it shows in the top right. my log in settings say "log in as hamza automatically". if i log out, i have to click on my name and type in my password. the same problem persists. if i was logged in as root would usb's not show on the desktop when they're plugged in?