I find that strange TCS - I've been using the method I described for years now - currently on Win XP/Office 2000 but I know it works the same on Win 98/Windows 2000 with either Office 2000 or 97. The type of mouse also doesn't seem to matter - currently using a logitech trackman but I know it works with other cordless or corded mice.
I can only presume the feature is dependent on the mouse driver/software. Maybe the Intellipoint program or equivalent?
Or maybe I AM the privileged one?