I wouldn't exactly give myself out as an expert on the area of 3D programming, but I feel I have to ask: Is there a particular reason why you would prefer DirectX over OpenGL?
I ask because I managed to stumble across a really good OpenGL tutorial site. After having one or two problems getting DevCPP to link everything correctly, I was making 3D scenes in no time.
Using just the material on this site, it took a day or two (can't remember exactly) to get to the point where I could make a simple breakout clone, with collision detection, 3D perspective, the lot. That was where I lost interest a bit - no point spending time to
really learn something your not going to use. Well, maybe I'll need it someday... but I'm rambling. Sorry. :o
Anyway, if you should be interested in OpenGL, check these out:
The tutorial site:
http://nehe.gamedev.net/
Official site, with references and all:
http://www.opengl.org/
Unless I got confused along the way, the Quake series is made with OpenGL. That should be all the good reference you need. :D