crpg_beta.exe is in program files (x86) > mount&blade warband, but it shouldn't make a difference as long as you tried under program files (x86).
What bothers me is that both the test application and Warband are working as expected, and WSE2 isn't, despite using the exact same code. Was it always like this (i.e. the first time you tried WSE2), or did it stop working after an update or after you made some changes or something else? Are you running any antivirus software?