Panel Control "Object reference..."

[cfps.Christian]

I'm at my wits end trying to figure out this stupid error.

<asp:Panel ID="pnlDep" runat="server">
<asp:Label ID="lblDep" runat="server" Text="Department:
" />
</asp:Panel>
<asp:Panel ID="pnlMaj" runat="server">
<asp:Label ID="lblMaj" runat="server" Text="Major: " />
</asp:Panel>

Now every other time I've used a panel I can reference it in my
codebehind without saying me.pnl = new Panel() but with this
particular instance I have to. Also along with this problem I add a
control to this panel and it doesn't show on the page, only the Labels
I added manually.