Just found that my flash does not support ETTL. Sending it back tuesday.....I think a wise man named Jon said don't go cheap or you will regret it..and it was not that cheap.
ETTL flash is an option, manual flash is another option.
When you use flash on the go, I mean on dinamic situation, then ETTL is very useful.
If your object is not moving and the distance is fixed (for each magnification it is) then you can use a flash meter or determine the needed powed by trial and error (easy and cheap on a digital camera)
So before returning it you can try your manual flash at 1/2, 1/4 etc power.
I already provided in this thread a table for Canon ring flash MR-14EX in manual mode.
If your manual flash has no way to reduce power to 1/2 etc then return it, no doubt.
Canon flash will always be better because you can choose, E-TTL or manual mode so if money is not a problem get a Canon flash.