Try this first:
Code:
gsettings set org.gnome.desktop.background show-desktop-icons true
Restart the desktop by pressing <Alt><F2>, let go then enter <r>, then press <Enter>...
If that does not work, then right-click on the Desktop... A context menu will appear. At the bottom of the context menu click on settings. A settings popup will appear. The top half is for enabling/disabling. positioning, and sizing the desktop icons... One of those setting affects the desktop icons being visible.
Then upgrade the release to what will keep you with what will be supported (my disclaimer).