I had some problems with playlink at first. I also noticed someothers did also. I went to microsoft adn downloaded the directx7.0a and the critical updates. The link for this is:
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/
Make sure the critical updates is marked. Then scroll down to directx7.0a.
Since then I can play on playlink with no problems or lockups. Maybe some of you will join me and try it out.
I am waiting to move my account until I have played there more