If you want, I can produce a sample minimal Creation Kit mod (step-by-step) for 1.5.97: a simple weapon or quest with the exact required file structure and sample Papyrus code. Which would you prefer?
To make the CK usable for complex modding, you must manually edit the configuration files located in your Skyrim SE root folder (where the CreationKit.exe lives). Key Edits for CreationKitCustom.ini : creation kit skyrim se 1.5.97