With the template builder it doesn't work for me, too. Even with themes using no template builder I had so many difficulties using the WPML plugin and their forum is often not very helpful, so I decided not to relate on a plugin, but found another solution:
I've set up Wordpress as a multisite installation, created two blogs - for each language another blog, and the rest is done with this:
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/multilingual-press/
My English is not so good, so please read at the plugin's site how it works. With this you are independant on any plugin updates etc., you manage all by yourself. It's easy and I use it without any trouble even with CORONA's template builder.
Advantages in opposite to WPML:
http://wpengineer.com/2389/best-practice-for-multilanguage-wordpress-content-new-plugin/