I tried that, no bad files from PoL or FFXI. I also tried redownloading DirectX9 (but said that I already have a better version of DirectX and force stops the installation).
Thats 100% the issue. It's your DirectX. I went digging over my issue. I performed a system restore to a point prior to a DirectX update. I downloaded a new game on steam and it had automatically updated my DirectX version.
I was in the same boat as you where i needed to download and make sure DirectX9 was on my machine. I couldn't get the right download anywhere and hence found the system restore point.
I'm on Windows 8 myself but i'm useless with anything technical. You need to find someone who can help you get that DirectX9 back on your computer instead of the new updated version you have.
Bryth told me you can run two types of DirectX at the same time (or something along those lines). I couldnt manage to do what he suggested but if you talk to him he might have some ideas of how to do it.