Please help us help you.
First, there was no Access 98. Access 97 exists, as does Access 2000. Can you please verify that you have Access 97? And if not, what version is it?
Second, the version of Access would not make a difference anyway, I don't think.
Show us the actual multiplication.
Show us the datatype of the number being calculated.
Show us where the calculation is done. In a form? A report? A query? In VBA?
The more details you provide, the greater the chance someone will be able to offer usable suggestions.