I'm having a similar problem, except that when Apache 2 starts, it says it can't find the php_xxx.dll files, giving the full path and filename for each, which upon examination of my system, is correct. Windows Explorer says all those files are there when I examine the directory, yet Apache says it can't find them.
Now, sadly, I'm at work right now and don't have access to my .conf and .ini files, but I came accross this posting looking for general ideas to take home and try and thought I'd post, before I forget (not allowed external email, so I can't email myself the link home).
I have all the php_xxx.dll files located in my C:\PHP directory, and Apache 2 says it can't find (not can't use, can't find) C:\PHP\php_xxx.dll.
I've tried turning the slash both ways, using the dot notation, and about a hundred other things (I spent 6 hours this morning trying to make this work).
Any ideas?