Problems importing raw files from an external drive since update

I have copied my raw files to a folder on my external hard drive. Since the update, when I import it was changing them all to DNG files. I don't want that. I was able to fix that on the top bar of the import bar. I just want to add them to the catalog and then work on the files. But it won't let me add the files. I can only copy them to a new location. So - it's creating dated folders within my original files - thus taking up twice the amount space. Also - when I go back into LrC later, the folders are NOT in my catalog and I have to reimport them. Can someone please help - I am in my busy season and this is killing me.