Windows Hiding Folders on C:\

I can access my computers D:\ drive fine, but my C:\ drive is acting crazy. I go to my computer --> C:\ drive --> and I can only see one text file in that directory. The other files and folders are just not there, I have tried to see hidden files and folders by going to tools --> folder options, but when I change it the directory is still basically empty except that one text file. So what I did was I went to start --> run --> C:\Program Files --> and the folder opened with the programs I have installed on the C:\ drive. I did this because I knew that Program Files were one of the files in the C:\ directory. Anyway, I need to be able to see the folders and files once I click on my computer --> C:\ if anyone has any suggestions for me, I have computer knowledge, but not advanced on the problems/viruses that come up some times, and that’s why I like these forums so much. Thanks!

Windows 2002 XP

 

one hard drive with two partitions C and D. one operating system, and I couldn't tell you what I mean by Windows 2002 until I get to the comp, I just figured I'd reply to see if I could speed anything up.