Did you change something in the configuration, like output mode? If you did, try switching to a different one. Start with surface, overlay, ddraw, opengl and so on.

I didn't change anything. But regardless, I tried what you suggested and none of the different output settings work. I still get the same error.

unplug joysticks and other non-standard input devices

I don't have any joysticks/gamepads connected, but I tried disconnecting my USB devices, including my laserjet printer and that didn't work either.

What about reinstalling DirectX? Since it's DirectInput related. I suppose SDL use that whenever possible?

Well I fixed my problem, and this is how I did it:

I tried just about everything under the sun to get this program to work again. I disabled all COM ports, I disabled all game ports, I even disconnected my USB devices with the exception of my mouse. I reinstalled DosBox multiple times and multiple versions, installed new video drivers, and downloaded the newest SDL.dll - all of that did nothing. I kept trying to think back and figure out when the program stopped working. I reffered earlier in this thread to a windows update for my Radeon 9700 Pro but I figured since I installed new catalyst drivers right from the website and it didn't work, that it had nothing to do with it.

Well I finally got desperate and said what the hell, System Restore time. So I restored my computer to exactly 1 month ago. The restore point was right before the Radeon 9700 pro windows update. After about 10 minutes of restoring I finally go to luanch Dosbox and whattya know, the bastard works. I don't know if that update was really the problem, but all sources lead me to believe it was. So thankfully I can now run my old games in peace. I hope this helps anyone who may have a problem down the road, because this took me quite a while to figure out.

And to everyone who posted in this thread, thanks for the suggestions. Although none of them helped, you tried and ultimatly it led me to use system restore since nothing worked.

Yes, NEVER install video driver updates from Windows Update, they are crippled and almost always break more than they fix

Agreed. Stupid Windows Update breaks up my AC97 sound codec on my work's computer. 😠

Ah yes. You should always go to your reliable website for driver downloads and ALWAYS uninstall the old ones and then clean them off using Driver Cleaner Pro (which is free) and then install your newer drivers.

Otherwise you're more likely going to have problems.
This is a new one in how it came about as an error but it makes sense.
/Ieremiou

I have never had the need for running any driver cleaner utility. I always use your ole' "Add & Remove programs" applet. I have never run into any problems this way even if I recently switched from nVIDIA to ATi. Am I lucky or what? 😎