this makes no sense my friend.., I dont understand what you mean.., a menu for file attributes that pulls down?? If something in the AE doesn't come down even if there is a little black triangle next to it it is because it is not supposed to (there is nothing there)

whatever??

you could try deleting your preferences and they will be created as default next time you open the app, this is often a good way to get things back to.., err, .., normal??


or re-install, if nothing changes it is you, not the app.., do a couple more simple tuts.., or at least give us a splash screen to explain what you are talking about??