okay, first off does anyone know some good tutorials for using the dev c++ compiler? I know how to use it, I just don''t know how to use directX with it, how do I link the libraries and such to it? Do I have to use a project or can I use just a simple new source file? If anyone knows any tutorials that would answere my question I would prefer that, but if you could explain it in the thread that would work to.

Have you tried allegro? It''s a lot easier to set up than directx (and to use). And allegro uses directx...so you could try it, but if you don''t want to then I think all you need to do is link the libraries go to project->Project Options then
click the "add library or object" and add libraries you need for example if your using direct draw then I think you have to add "libddraw.a" (assuming you have all the libraries and headers set up correctly).

ah thanks! I knew it had to be something simple, see this is why I am an artist not a programmer, but I do what I can. Thanks again.