It looks too advanced to do...at least for me...but if you don't mind downloading a 150meg program. I guess you can fix your DirectX8.0a into b.
I guess this would be considered an Alpha DirectX patch. http://www.the-ctrl-alt-del.com/2001/leak/Direcx8b.htm" TARGET=_blank>http://www.the-ctrl-alt-del.com/2001/leak/Direcx8b.htm
Anyway at least you'll no what is broken on DirectX8.0a, by the link above.