While their master was kept prisoner by the other Valar, the Balrogs slept in the pits of Angbad, only to be awakened by the cry of Morgoth's return to Middle-earth, at which time they resumed their servitude, waging war against Elves and Men. Among Morgoth's earliest servants, the Balrogs were present in Middle-earth long before the One Ring was forged, long before the time of Men, and even before the arrival of the Elves.
