I got it! Turns out this whole time I was using the "Canon DSLR" CCD driver, I changed it to "GPhoto CCD" and everything is working just fine. All kinds of exposures.
I don't know why, but it wasn't clear to me I should't use a Canon DSLR driver if I have a Canon DSLR. lol
Anyway, I'm sorry for all the "back and forward" I created and also for my drastic thoughts.
I'm really happy I have this working now.
Thank you all that put efforts into thinking about this.
Thank you knro for all the attention.