Most installations of Dev-C++ come with GCC.
Check your compilers \bin directory for gcc.exe, g++.exe, ect.

Are you sure it isn't your code( Object->Method when it should be Object.Method )?

I doubt its the OS.
I don't have Windows XP Home™ at work or home, to experiment with.
You could try compiling someone elses code that has the -> operator.

Sorry, if I'm not being helpful.