I hate to suggest what you should do because it is anybodies guess as to what you have.
An' right there is the core of the problem the OP cites... PEBKAC.
There is a backstory behind this post the OP makes now, that information
clears the blank space in this post.
I cannot help this chap, I doubt you could and I am certain there is no
better help available than what is being given locally. After all those mentors
are the people who will be looking the weeping newbie in the eye, or not.
Compliments.
Bill