It might be a case of having to install patch 1.4 before playing the game itself. 1.4 has thrown up a lot of random problems which are taking time to knuckle down.
  It might be worth un-installing EaW, removing all old data/files then installing it again with 1.4 then trying out skirmish maps. Until an answer comes back from Petroglyph,its worth a try 
 DMUK
 Thank you everyone! 
 This issue was resolved. 
 Please see my other Thread (
http://www.lucasforums.com/showthread.php?t=166983).