error: can't build a link between unbound format

[stormin_norm]

form/subform error: can't build a link between unbound forms

Greetings!

I have read using access 2000, the o'reilly access cookbook, and numerous online tutorials to figure out why I get an error when attempting to link a subform to a form.
Funny thing: I opened the chapter1 example database from the o'reilly book, it ran fine, but when I clicked to view the choices for MasterLink, I received the link error again!

My first question is: What option or checkbox do I need to slam in order for it this error to vanish.

My second question is: Am I doing this correct-->
Building a registrar system and I have a simple syllabus table.
frmSyllabus contains combo box cboSyllabusNumber which is a simple 'select distinct SyllabusNumber from tblSyllabus'
the Subform is fsubSyllabusLookup with RecordSource qrySyllabusLookup. The query simply sorts the courses by semester. I should then be able to perform a simple Master/Child Link between SyllabusNumber and SyllabusNumber.

tblSyllabus
SyllabusNumber
Semester
Course
Description


I am getting confused by the numerous examples I have seen, and have tried various combinations, but still get the error above.
--When performing a form/subform link:

I have set the MasterForm property Record Source to both tblSyllabus and qrySyllabusFilter (select distinct syllabusNumber..)

I have also set the properties on the cboSyllabusNumber to
ControlSource = tblSyllabus
RowSource = select distinct syllabusnumber...
& tried:
ControlSource = qrySyllabusFilter
RowSource = qrySyllabusFilter

But still get the error above.

I'm spinning my wheels 1.5 days on this and MUST move onward!

Thanks in advance!!!