Shame on me you were right ;( But there is still this error: Linking... blackbox.obj : error LNK2001: unresolved external symbol _DirectDrawCreateEx@16 Release/freakout.exe : fatal error LNK1120: 1 unresolved externals Error executing link.exe.
Try manually adding the required lib file to your project as you would a cpp or header file. It will automatically be linked into your game and at least this way you can be sure the lib file you are using is the one you want.
of course the best thing is to just put the lib into you "lib" folder, i think directX is always backwards compatible so you only stand to gain from that.
As your leader, I encourage you from time to time, and always in a respectful manner, to question my logic. If you're unconvinced that a particular plan of action I've decided is the wisest, tell me so, but allow me to convince you and I promise you right here and now, no subject will ever be taboo. Except, of course, the subject that was just under discussion. The price you pay for bringing up either my Chinese or American heritage as a negative is - I collect your f***ing head.