@Robert: hmm...I tried running your test program to take a look, but it doesn't run for me

I get the dialog box error below:
---------------------------
Dreamworld: DreamWorld.exe - Unable To Locate Component
---------------------------
This application has failed to start because d3dx9_33.dll was not found. Re-installing the application may fix this problem.
---------------------------
OK
---------------------------
cheers,
Paul