Good question.

I believe it should be possible (although I don't have express) - you need to download and install the Managed DirectX SDK. then implement the appropriate resources/dll's etc... and develop away.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx FamilyId=1FD20DF1-DEC6-47D0-8BEF-10E266DFDAB8&displaylang=en

there are samples in the library so load them and run them, if they run then yes you can develop and use the features of DirectX in the express editions

it's an SDK which allows you to access and use DirectX components within your applications.

There are plenty examples in that SDK on how to create an app with the DirectX implemented.

If you are a beginner to Visual Basic, and DirectX, then you have a steep learning curve. If you are determined to learn both then there's nothing holding you back, but you need to learn the basics first (it's like you are asking how to be a racing car driver without first being able to drive, or even how a car works). If you want people to invest time helping you, you will need to invest time in helping yourself.

You need to first understand the VB tools. On top of that, you need to be able to 'work the language'. It's also likely that the DirectX samples will be severely lacking: i.e. not complete projects, and possibly in different languages (C#, C, C++).You will need to know how to translate from one language to another.

Use this forum to help you with the VB language side of things, but for DirectX questions your best bet is the game technology forums, such s the DirectX 101 forum: http://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/ShowForum.aspx ForumID=106&SiteID=1