Using mysql to authenticate users - how is it done?

To set the scene, I am new to apache and mysql. That said my
configuration is working and I have phpmyadmin running nicely:-)

My problem is using mysql to authenticate users instead of htaccess. I
have played around with some mod_auth_mysql modules but with no
success.

Everything is hosted on a single system:
Win2k Pro, SP4
Apache 2.0.48
MySQL 4.0.18-nt

Can anyone help with configuration information and also point me in
the right direction of what module (mod_auth_mysql?) and version is
required to support my config.

Many thx in advance
Pete