Help! DirectInput could not be initialized...

[X-Calibar]

I'm installing Ys 1 and 2 on a friend's computer...  But, I'm encountering application loading problems.

I get a mysterious and completely ambigious "Error: An error has occured." When trying to open Ys 1 or even OpeningOld... 
When running Ys 2, it simply starts to load then goes to desktop [doesn't get to any sound or any screen].  But, I noticed Ys 2 created a logfile... here's what it says

Compiled: Jul 10 2001 10:02:04
Exec: 2006/3/16 8:44:48
error: DirectInput could not be initialized.
YsII COMPLETE requires DirectX5 or better.
Please install it, if not already...
 
The computer is a Windows XP Home 3ghz P4, 256ram;
I've tried reinstalling a multiple times; sometimes in Japanese Unicode, sometimes not,
I've checked/updated DirectX to 9c,
updated drivers for XP, SoundBlaster Live! 24bit; checked/ing for updates for the Intel® 82865G Graphics Controller...

But so far nothing works! I only have a day or two to figure this out before I'll be leaving, so if you have any ideas :O I'm ready to try~

YS1_WIN.exe 2.0.1.0    tried english 1.26 and 1.27
YS2_WIN.exe 1.1.2.0    tried english 1.00

With or without Nightwolve's patches I get the same error~
Tried ysc0107 and even ysc0203 [it asks for a game disk if I use this one even if the image is mounted] (I keep the originals at home) I didn't run across any errors in install so....... [and no problems in Device Manager]

Help!

EDIT: Without knowing what to do, and time running out; I come to a few likely conclusions...
One, somehow the data has gotten corrupted?  From the rar archive I made way back [although there were no errors in decrypting the rar, and no apparent problems during install]
Two, perhaps the Intel® 82865G Graphics Controller in this Dell blows chunks; lol at least for poor Ys...
Three, some built in Dell Dimension 3000 feature, or software in this XP does something to interfere with directInput, at least with how Ys calls it..?
or Four, I missed something obvious.

I'm saddened that I haven't solved the mystery!  Still if anyone else has a suggestion before I have to leave tommorow; one last hope if not, a certain certified professional will be the last hurrah

If I figure it out, I'll be sure to post it here in the event it sheds some light how to avoid errors like these in the future~
*wonders how Windows Vista will handle our beloved translations...*

[NightWolve]

Sorry, I don't know.

[crescendo]

i get the -exact- same problems as you do. i don't know why either, i've tried playing around with the directx settings and etc, reinstalling, changing regions, and so on but nothing seems to fix the problem.

i don't think it's caused by the graphics controller either, as i'm on a geforce fx 5200 and it still won't work for me.

[X-Calibar]

I'm back home now, and this computer runs Ys fine!  And the card is a GeForce FX 5200...   So, without extensive testing, I don't know what could be causing it;  Seems excessive, but if I had the opportunity I'd start from a fresh installed XP with the equipment that works on this machine that I know works, and slowly transfer it over; till I find what is wrong.  Now if I could do it and not just talk about it :O

[motoh]

Well, DirectINPUT deals with the keyboard, game controllers, and mouse systems (input.)  The problem may lie there.  I can't think of anything specific to check, but run DxDiag.exe (from the run menu should do it) and see if there's any issues there.