When you start game, you have no notification about IC is running and can't check it in few seconds (rubbertree is rare, ore underground)
Suggestion is simple - test recipe, 3 dirt with empty slot upright into 3 dirt.
If this is craftable - you installed IC2 right.
note: ic2 archive name with "2" as special character ignored on some systems and file must be renamed in order to run.