NeoGamma does not offer a Homebrew channel update, what version are you using???
A hard drive will work with any wii, you just have to do it right, are you using WBFS manager to format the HDD and put the games onto it??
If we can break your problem down into smaller pieces, we will not overlook anything, the first time can be a little frustrating, but little baby steps will get you there.
Also, if we can keep it all in one thread, we will all be looking at the same things.
1. what version of Neogamma are you using, the latest I see is V9?
2. are you using WBFS Manager?
3. What softmod did you use?, you eventually used mine, Yes?? if so you have all you need to get you going (CIOS - wise).
4. what game are you trying to load in your other thread that mentions CFG Loader?