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Or try an uncompressed AVI. This frees up the use of codecs, but the file size gets much bigger. I have some samples you could try to see if it's the codec (free download). This is one of them (note: double-zipped AVI - unzip twice).

As to checking the DirectX debug thing, try running system information:

start > programs > accessories > system tools > system information

Try searching there or go to the tools menu to check the DirectX stuff.

As for DirectX Diagnostics, you can go to Start menu, click Run, and type in

Code:
dxdiag.exe


and press Enter to launch DirectX Diagnostics. This is just a shortcut for getting to DirectX Diagnostics quickier without opening up System Information.