Minimise Workbook / Display Form On Startup

i'm trying to put together a spreadsheet using excel 97 that uses forms for data input & display - the spreadsheet itself is used solely for data storage & no editing is done directly to ensure people aren't trying to mess about with the spreadsheet i thought it would be an idea to minimise excel when the spreadsheet is launched & have the forms pop up on screen instead. the problem i've got is getting the first form on screen whilst excel is minimised

Private Sub Workbook_Open()
frmSplash.Show
Application.WindowState = xlMinimized
End Sub

the spreadsheet launches, the splash screen launches, but excel doesn't minimise

if i use

Private Sub Workbook_Open()
Application.WindowState = xlMinimized
frmSplash.Show
End Sub

the spreadsheet minimises, but the form doesn't display - the excel taskbar button flashes to indicate something is going on clicking the taskbar button brings up the form & keeps excel minimised....but the staff who will be using this won't be happy with this at all!!!