Update:
- The issue returns after the the next reboot following the automatic reinstallation of the devices previously removed from batteries in device manager.
- There is no link between this issue and administrative privileges.
- This does not appear to be a pure VMWARE issue.
- Current workaround is to try and remember to remove the battery devices before each host reboot...
- I expect the next chipset driver update and / or BIOS update for the host hardware will resolve this - I will keep a look out for it and will report back here once it has been released and I have tested it...