So nested folders aren't the problem? (ie: seeing avali 0_8_0 in your mods folder and seeing a single avali folder inside, which has the mod files in there)? If it's not that, I can't see why it wouldn't work. What character extender are you using right now to test with?
I click my mods folder, then the avali race, then inside there is all the cinematics, codex, dungeons etc. Ive tried a bunch of extenders so if you have a preferred one then ill use that.
The only one I've tried is the Simple Character Extender, as it has never failed for me: http://community.playstarbound.com/...d-character-creation-mod-now-even-easier.218/ From the looks of things, you've already tried it. Another try might not hurt though. I may have an idea, though. When you launch the Starbound Server option from the launcher, it briefly displays all the mods you have installed. Try booting it up and see if the Avali and character extender appear in the list of mods.
Try deleting image.cache in your starbound folder and letting it rebuild that. That's been one issue since last update inhibiting Ui mods.
Waiiit a minute. Are you using a mod loader, or edited bootstrap? Historically trying to use mod loader on the avali mod breaks it, which is why it explictly says in big bold text, in at least 3 places in the Avali installation stuff. "Do not use mod loader 1.x"
No modding directory... Is the mod folder in the starbound directory called "mods" (as opposed to "mod" or anything else)? If not that might be your problem. It sounds like you don't have any mods loaded in your "mods" folder that the game is detecting. o.o In related news, a friend of mine had a similar issue (the same one jolie had), and fixed it following Ryuujin's advice. But at least the mods loaded for him in the first place. (He started up the game once and a modded race was the default new character, even though there was no button to choose that race.) Other than that, it might be what Ryuujin just said.
The only thing ive done is download mods and put them in my modding folder. im not sure what the other stuff is to be honest .. I dont have any mod managers or anything. Could it be that i created a new folder for modding cause i accidentally deleted the default mod folder? Or, is there a way i can just reset like everything and just try again?
Nevermind guys, I figured it out, well, kinda. I just deleted everything and re-downloaded the game and its working fine now. Thanks for all the help though everyone