Help with a game programming issue in general

[FONT=Arial]I would appreciate some help regarding programming 3D games like Final Fantasy. I have decent skill in C++, but I really do bad at Windows API. I would mind if you could give me some instructions on building an API? I can’t afford one like DirectX and DirectX is highly difficult and somewhat annoying as well. I can also wonder if you can provide me a free manual or tutorial on loading data from files and putting them in windows window? I just have trouble with graphics only. I’ve been struggling for several years now and have no money so please no books or college.[/FONT]