How do I get a creature to equip a weapon or armour? I've ticked the boxes in teh CS but nothing happens. Do they have to have special anims or something?

I don't believe Creatures can use weapons or armor. Google it...

Some creatures can use shields and weapons (dremora, lich, skeletons, golden saints, goblins, riekling) but most lack the animation and possibly not supported with game coding.

THose are humanoid creatures, that must be it. Any creature that isn't humanoid (which have NPC animations) can't use weapons.

Not sure on this... just pointing out my thoughts based on what Miles said.