CreateDIBSection() returns NULL

Hi all,
I am trying to fix a bug in a graphical exploitation/manipulation application. I have narrowed it down to the fact that a CreateDIBSection() returns a null bitmap handle. Calling GetLastError() has not helped as it returns success (i.e. 0). The fault only arises when the application is asked to handle a large bitmap of around 200MB. I know memory should not be an issue as the PC being used has 1GB of RAM and a huge 3GB of allocated virtual memory.

Any ideas most welcome.
Cheers.