If it wasn't compiled with Makefile.PL or Build.PL, you can't use XSLoader on it. XS libraries/DLLs can only be used within the same minor (middle number) version. You can NOT under any circumstance use a XS module compiled with 5.12 on 5.14 or a XS module compiled with 5.14 on 5.12 Perl. Or a 5.12 XS module with a 5.10 or 5.16 Perl. You can use an XS module compiled with Perl 5.12.3 with Perl 5.12.1 at runtime or any other permutation aslong as the first and 2nd numbers match. The last number can change, but Perl guarantees ABI between maintenance releases. XSLoader is not for loading non-XS DLL (although it looks like you have an XS DLL since it is linked to Perl 5.6). If you are crazy, on 32 bit Windows, and want pain, you can use Dynaloader to load non-XS DLLs, without Win32::API, see Pure Perl module(245 lines) that calls external libraries - no XS file..