External HD's no longer appear as startup discs

Hello,
I've just updated to OS 10.8.4 from 10.6.8.   I've been using 3 external firewire Hard Drives for years, in SL they showed as Startup discs in System Preferences, and there wasn't any problem using them as such. Each disc is partitioned (GUID)  into 4 partitions and formatted (Mac OS Extended Journaled).
The discs (all 14 partitions) do show up on the desktop and can be opened-
One programme - printing software which came with my Canon printer doesn't function any more. I checked on the Canon website and it says that it doesn't support Mountain Lion.
I have some extremely important image files which I created with this programme (for printing onto CD labels of my own original music) and I really must be able to access them. They won't open and I tried changing the file ending but they still won't.
So I thought that I'd re-install SL from the install disc on one of the partitions of a HD and open the printer  ..... and hope that I can open the programme and these files.
I have the following problems:
1) my Mac spat out the SL CD.
2) Only the Mac HD shows up as a startup disc.
3) I re-booted while holdong down alt/options but then only the Mac HD and a Recovery disc were given as choices.
I have not made any Recovery disc yet. I have Time Machine which backs-up to one of the external HD'S, but haven' t made a back-up yet.
I'd be SO grateful for ideas as to how I can access my files !
Thanks,
Matrose

Information on Superdrive troubleshooting.
CD/DVD Loading Problems                        
CD/DVD Sharing
CD/DVD Drive - Troubleshooting
CD/DVD Drive - Troubleshooting (2)
Other options.  See post by  MlchaelLAX
https://discussions.apple.com/message/22876574#22876574

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