whoever told you this would be an easy problem to fix lied! As far as crating the dogs don't stop! be consistent...it's torture to hear them whining but in the end you all win. maybe try taking them for a walk before bed time. 30 minutes will do wonders for a dog (a little longer for some dogs). this puts the dog in a calm submissive mind set and it will make the crates alot more appealing for them. if they are having accidents in there crate then start waking up twice a night, set your alarm, to take them to go potty. when you take them out make sure you tell them "Go potty" so they learn what you want. if you do this each night you will see the differnce. at petco they sell pee sticks. you stick them in your yard and the dogs find them and learn oh this is where i am supposed to pee. don't get discouraged you can do it!
*make sure that you clean the soiled spots REALLY good. otherwise they will go there again.