Quote: "However when I install codeblocks ( complete with mingw) it does not run"
So CodeBlocks itself doesn't run? I've had trouble running Codeblocks (C++) and the AppGameKit BASIC IDE at the same time. What you might need to do is in either one (or both if you can) is to go into the settings and allow for multiple instances of the application to run at the same time.
Settings -> Environment -> Uncheck the box "Allow only one running instance".
I have tried to get the templates working with Codeblocks but have been unsuccessful but I'm quite happy with VS 2010.