I've used ES File Explorer prior to Kit Kat but it doesn't appear to be ready (or maybe I'm missing some setting) for Lollypop's new access ability. Are there any file managers that work under the new paradigm?
Did you try the stock file manager. That seems to work fine. ES does not.
It is really sad to hear of ES File Explorer's incompatibility with the new version. I love that application. I hope it is fixed soon.