First thing I'd try is getting Dx7a (note the a, available at the direct x site.) Then I'd probably try getting new drivers for your v card that are compliant with DX. (This is probably your problem.) One other thing, what is your screen resolution? Try 800 x 600 at 16 bit color to begin.
I have an Intel i740 8 mb card, I had to get new drivers before AH would work. This might be what's going on.
Hope this helps.
bloom25
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