No matter what I do the space for the vertical ruler remains blank.
Occasionally I can see the gradations flash for a fraction of a second.
On Windows 7 Enterprise, 64bit, 4gb RAM.
That's on the old computer I have to use at work.
At home, on a notebook purchased last year, I see the vertical ruler.
Can you toggle the ruler(s) on and off? (use the View menu/ribbon)
I just went into Advanced Options and turned off Hardware Acceleration -- and can now see the vertical ruler.
Update your video drivers on the work computer!