If I missed something in the manual or in these forums, I apologize in advance.
I have GSB bought off of Steam.
After I have unlocked a race in Fleet HQ, I cannot use that race in the Battle mode. When I choose the race and go to the deploy screen there are no ships to be deployed. I can only play the initial race with which the games starts.
I can unlock new ship systems and use them just fine.
Try the following: In the main menu click “Ship Design” button. Then click “Change” button. Scroll down the list and try to find ship hulls that belongs to your unlocked race. Do you see them? If yes, can you select one of them and click “Ok” button?