I seemingly resolved this using the information at:
http://bytes.com/topic/visual-basic-net/answers/382910-cpu-temperature[
^]
this page described the use of a utility called "wbemtest.exe" that is a part of windows.
This utility lets you test the WMI capability of the local machine.
Just type it at the Command Prompt.
Do a "Connect" to get to the local machine.
Then click "query" and type in the WMI command you are attempting to use with WMI
e.g. : Select * from acpi_temperaturezone
In my case, the response showed this was not available.
There is also: select * from win32_temperatureprobe
This returns results --- but the "current reading" is shown as "null" in my case.
Again showing that the mobo in the laptop I am using.
--- Jim