I remember reading sometime ago during SME 7.0, that in order to have your drive properly input into the database, you have to manually enter it.
I have been recently told, that is the improper way and the following code should be used:
/usr/sbin/update-smart-drivedb
Also, I have used this code on SME 8.0, and there doesn't seem to be any negative consequences. And my drives are now appearing as in the database