I know this is an old thread but Hopefully it will save a few people some time.
I have read through loads on this site and tried multiple search terms in google then blindly tried many suggested fixes and solutions before I got the answer here!
my problem was:
Mala would not list the actual roms present.
Tried all the settings/checkboxes, deleting xmls, making romlists and reinstalling drivers/roms etc.
search terms include mala zero 0 roms mame won't does not show
In the end...
Point 1 below was the reason! 7z files!
I didn't install because I assumed the beta was not finalized.
You have to refresh the gamelist.
If you are refreshing the main gamelist and they still don't show up, it could be that:
1. You're using .7z roms with a version older than the newest beta version of Mala
Old versions only support .zip files.
2. You're missing a bios or sound board rom that is needed in addition to the game rom
Thanks BadMouth!
