Select element does not display added Option text, only blank select drop down

I have a javascript routine that creates a Select element adding several Options.  i use   for the option element I use element.setAttribute(text, XXX) and also element.setAttribute(value, XXX)

On the html page all I see is the outline of the select box. No option values, but I can see that the select element shows the space for the three options that were added via code. .  Also when I inspect the select element it shows the three options with correct value, and text .

Not sure what is the problem.  I have  tried to append the select element to the parent before the options are added and also after they are added.  Does not make a difference.

Is there a "refresh " for the select element of something similar?

Any ideas welcome.