If you have any problems such as a mod conflict, you can try Console commands. Here is what the UESP Wiki says, but there's a warning at the end:
SetEssential BaseID #
(Only works with NPC and creature IDs.)
Makes the NPC or creature belonging to the ID essential or non-essential depending on the number used (1 for essential, 0 for non-essential).
Be careful if you use this on a creature as it will affect every creature of that name.Ex.: SetEssential A288 0; removes Countess Millona Umbranox's essential flag.
Links: Lists of NPC IDs: Named NPCs - Generic NPCs; Lists of creature IDs: Animals - Horses - Undead - Goblins - Monsters - Daedra - Dremora.
Other applications: N/A
Notes: Be careful with this one as you can break quests if you make the wrong NPC non-essential at the wrong time, but you can also protect a quest by making a non-essential NPC essential.SetEssential <Base ID>