The reason for this is simple. Standard C/C++ will compile almost anywhere, even accross platforms. However, Borland C++ uses a header called <conio.h> for special functions like gotoxy(x,y) and clrscr(). Unless you have the libraries to compile that code, the code is obviously not going to compile. So, the reason your code didn't compile on MS VC++ is the same reason that GTK+ code won't compile on Borland C++.
Cheers,
cgkanchi