1) don't get rid of map vote, edit it's ini "UT2Vote42.ini" file where your server should be listed i.e "another ut server" change this to YourServer'sName.
Also read the instructions on mapvote it will have a lot of nice tweaks that you can do to the program.
2) Map creators are known for not including all the files that are needed for you to run the game correctly, you may need to dump those maps and reinstall or go to a good site to download, GOOD RUNNING MAPS.
Hope this helps
FIGMO