My answer may be so simple it isn't the answer to your problem.
In detail view and in "choose columns" make sure you have chosen the column "modified". Then every time you click on the word "modified" at the top of the column the ordering changes from most recent at the top to oldest at the top.
If you want to use large icons you can sort by name or date (except that you can't see the date) by using the "Arrange Icons" option.
[ 13 December 2001: Message edited by: fobotcso ]