I haven't used DB_File, but I was playing with tied hashes in relation to
Config::IniFiles and through a combination of not understanding the limitations of tied hashes and questionable documentation in the module, was having a problem.
After corresponding with the author of the module, who had an incomplete picture of auto-vivification, he referred me to this link, and in particular Limitation #3. If you get to where you're trying to do something like this, perhaps this will save you some time.
http://aut.dk/orqwood/dwh/dwh_pod.html
(For all I know, this may be common knowledge. But it helped me, so pass it on I shall. Also, the module tis article refers to
DWH_File seems like it could be useful.)
--Chris
e-mail jcwren