Does Direct X require me to use VC++ or can I use the Bloodshed C++ for Direct X? 

you can use dev c++ very easily w/ direct x, theres only one step you must do.

when you do a direct X program and get the error having to do w/ direct3dCreate9. It is so frustrating! its not your fault.

create a project of empty, copy paste the code into this empty sheet. on the menu bar, go to project->project options. go over to the parameters tab. in the linker(right most box) type "-l3d9" that is "-L3D9", but w/ lowercase L and D