problems with D3DTextr_CreateTextureFromFile

For some strange reason I can only load 8 bit palletized bmp images with system palette. The method fails for any other format including 8 bit bmps with a custom palette. I checked the return value and its just something like D3D_GENERIC_ERROR or something so that doesn''t help. Is it trying to load the texture onto an incompatible surface?? I really want to use this texture mgt utility because it makes my code easier smaller and cleaner. Does anyone use this? Has anyone had success with it? MCSE, MCSD, Sun Certified Java Programmer Pimp Daddy ;)