Image Upload – not adding file to upload folder

I’m having a problem with image upload on one install, and wonder if anyone can help me trouble shoot.

running 2.6.1 and had the site on the dev server, all worked OK.

Moved the site to the client’s ISP. They use a 3rd party for the sql db.

Site moved ok, db ok, basically everything is OK EXCEPT image upload.

Here’s what happens:
– have a custom directory for uploads – it’s entered properly in settings/misc both relative and full path

– when using either flash or browser upload, same things happens

– WP appears to process the image, I get a normal next screen with image name etc. However, there is no thumbnail displayed.
— insert into post results in all the right code, but no image. if I check the directory via FTP , the image was never uploaded
— directory permissions are 7777
–tried adding the .htaccess file to wp-admin as advised on the closed image upload topic, no luck
–if I check in manage > media library the image names are listed, nut no image thumbnail. under heading “time” i’m seeing things like “6 minutes from now” instead of the usual “x minutes ago”

I’m wondering if anyone has any ideas – is it possible there’s an issue with the fact the ISP uses a separate DB hosting ? Their tech support won’t help at all (unless I can tell them what the problem is, not what the symptoms are)

Thanks to anyone who can help.

robert ouimet in Vancouver