Try this link version 1.7.3 because I can play well, save well and load well with that. You can get at
here. You can even trade with that version.
Or try changing the file type into ".sa1" but before working with the save file, remember to copy that file into somewhere for backup.
Or you can show the emulator where your save file is located. Just go to menu bar "Options/Emulator/Directories...". Choose the directory where your ".sav" file is located by clicking the browse button next to the "Battery:" title. Hope it is the same in your version too. And, also try this if you still can't load after changing the file type into ".sa1".
By the way, you should select "automatic" just above that 128k save type option.
If even that won't do, just go with that state saves. If I remember correctly, the problem you will get by using state save is that you can't continue after you defeated the elite four. It's because you need to load the in-game save file to continue that.
Oh, you can try downloading the rom from other sites(different sites) too.
Edit: I just found that the same thread for the problem using state saves all the time. Check
here. It should be the same problem in B/R/Y/G/S/Pe/D/Pl/LG/FR versions.