emulatorII-list

Hmm...

Well, it's pretty likely that the disks you have are "performance" disks, which is good (and usual). I have never used nor seen any "library" disks. Performance disks contain the OS as well as all sample and preset data. After a proper booting procedure, the EII has loaded the first preset and you're ready to go - simple as that. 
I don't assume that the disks you have are the problem (because whether good or bad disk - the EII will normaly TRY to boot, which you hear AND see).

What I would try now is to open the EII (easy) and disconnect, clean and reconnect the molex (voltage) connectors of the disk drives. Then try again powering up with a disk in the upper drive.

A common procedure for servicing the EII is to unplug, clean and replug anything inside the machine (which includes all socketed ICs, too). This is a pain, but chances are high that the thing will function properly again afterwards. Be careful and stay grounded while doing this.

Greetz,
Elm.