Security permissions.
Apparently windows 7 has an annoyingly redundant permissions list that needs to be edited AS WELL AS setting advanced sharing permissions for a shared folder or drive. Both are tabs found in the properties menu. Under "security" and "sharing", respectively.
After telling Windows that you want the folder shared with 'Everyone' in advanced sharing permissions. Click on the "security" tab of the properties menu. Click on the Edit button (obviously with admin rights). 'Everyone' will need to be listed in the section showing "Group or user names:". If 'Everyone' is not listed as a group you can add it by simply clicking the add button. A new window will open and you just type Everyone . Then click the "Check...