Are you seeing this problem in CorelDRAW 2018?
Yes, but I've never had this problem with earlier versions.
The reason I asked about the version of CorelDRAW is because this feature - to automatically move objects to/from the Desktop layer - is optional in CorelDRAW 2019 and CorelDRAW 2020.
If you are running CorelDRAW 2018 or older, then check in that document (look in the Object Manager) to see if the Desktop layer is locked.
This is a copy of p. 36. The photo outside is typical of what I'd like to see on all pages. I want to do the articles in chronological order, and having the objects placed outside helps me to place articles in order.
Have you checked to see if the Desktop layer (it's a master layer) is locked?