I use tthe Monkey Mod installer thingy with the framework provided here on the site. My mods all go into c:/program files(x86)/electronic arts/the sims 3/mods or something like that. I know they're in the right spot. I will try a few other things because I have trouble typing on this phone to reply. I am pretty sure though it is not the framework. Thanks I will not be able to test somethings I'm trying until around 4 AM central when I'm getting ready for work. I have twofootmomma's mod from own site. Yes.
The Monkey, as mentioned, is obsolete and has been removed from MTS. You should search for the new way of installing mods and use that now, as it's much simpler and, more importantly, somewhat supported. As much as can be expected of EA, anyway.