This isn't a fix, but it's a neat little program that I am trying out. It's called VistaHide battery. you can find it here:
http://www.freewarepocketpc.net/ppc-...ge-v1-1-1.html
(unzip the file, copy it to your ppc and run it there)
It puts a gauge at the very top of the screen, so I am removing the battery from the plus! launcher. check it out