When options are added we set the stock and the product live column to 0 by default (they are not suppose to have the same values as the default product).
The intention was after options were added, to go to manage inventory page where you can make specific options live and set the inventory for those new options.
the manage inventory button is shown per product on the admin products results page.
I do understand, that it is not clear that you needed to make the last step, but hopefully visiting the manage inventory page will give you a better view of managing product with options.
