I have been running DirectX 8 on ME with no problem. First try running the DXDIAG.EXE program and be sure everything tests OK. If everything is OK, try "reinstalling" the graphics card drivers. Sometimes after DirectX installs, the graphics card gets out of whack, and re-selecting the same card will help solve the problem. I had that happen with another game program, and resetting the graphics card solved everything. Might be worth a try.