Connect from VB6 or .NET to Oracle SQL 8

[giv]

Before starting anything i make a clarify.
I use Oracle8i Enterprise Edition Release 8.1.7.0.0
The network is based on a server.
All the clients connect and work on server on the LAN.
I have a client station with the client software already installed and i work on client interface.
Before thinking to connect via ODBC drivers i take a look here:

http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/database/windows/downloads/index-096177.html

The lower version supported by ODBC is 9.0.1.8.0 and i use 8.1.7.0.0 so i guess this kind of connection is not possible.
I am wrong?
For connecting to database with third party tools i use Lotus Approach and select "Microsoft ODBC for Oracle" driver.
I can connect to database of course because i work dayly on this platform from a client staion.
My question is how to setup the Visual Basic 6 or Visual Basic .NET to connect to the database because i want to develop a simple app that does small querryes on the database.
From what i read on www all methots involve Oracle SQL 9.xx or greater and from what tuts or faqs i followed none aplly to my case.
That is why i try to contect persons who can lead me or tell me what i do wrong.