@Lord Tim @HIBI -
Yes, that's how it WAS working, but now when I double click on the synth nothing happens at all (except the flyout menu in my first pic). It is the same in tracks in all projects. Again, they are WORKING - and I can even automate parameters - I just can't open the F$#7ing synth...
I have Cakewalk installed on another computer and just confirmed the behaviour as you describe - no problems. Also, I see the hightlighted yellow with corner brackets, so that was a red herring.
On the problem machine, I did toggle "Recycle VST Windows" off and on, but trying both ways doesn't help.... Thanks, you guys, for your help.
dh