Apache -> VirtualHosts -> Redirect Problem

[Harlequin]

I'm using Apache 2.0.52 with PHP 5.0.3 on a Windows 2003 standard server on a dedicated machine. I'm having some issues trying to setup the Apache Virtualhosts to call a wildcard and point it to whatever the wildcard is for a php file. I know I may have just butchered what I'm asking for here, but let me try to explain a little clearer :P (It's so early in the morning here. -cries-).

Let's say I'm attempting to use variable.domain.com as my virtual host (subdomain even.)

When variable.domain.com is called, the "variable" should be transferred to the address of whatever the PHP file is + the variable string calling whatever in the PHP itself.

variable.domain.com points to http://www.domain.com/index.php?variable=$variable, for instance.

Now that I've kinda explained what I'm doing here, let me finally get to the problem -- :disappointed:

When an address is typed in the location bar of the browser including the subdomain, the address simply isn't found (I'm using Firefox.) I don't get a 404 or anything. It just dies.

My question is -- should something be in the Windows "hosts" file that I'm missing or should something be setup in the Apache httpd.conf or .htaccess files a little differently? Currently, I have not touched the "hosts" file (which, from what I've read on other websites.. this -would- be the problem.. but I'm just trying to make sure here.) Am I being a total klutz somewhere along the lines of setting this up? Has anyone else had a similiar problem and care to share the experience?

Can anyone give me an example of their own setup or a resource to get a little help? If anyone has any questions in regards to what I'm trying to do -- please don't hesitate to ask. I'm just a little stumped and not exactly sure where to turn seeing as this is my second time setting up Adobe and first time playing with the virtual hosts configuration.

Thanks much.