WS can’t Ping byHostnameAfter entry to..

Hey All,
I have a W2k DNS server. And every time that I make a manual Host Entry to the DNS services, I can’t seem to ping any DNS hostnames from my w2k & 98 workstations that is configured with the IP address of the DNS and was working fine beforeI made the entry. To get it working again, I’d have to make some insignificant change in the TCP/IP setting, that causes it (i guess) to go out and query the DNS (along with all other tcp/ip settings), Then I’m able to ping by manually entered Host names. Is there a setting on client or server that could force clients to look to server for updated hosts?

Thanks
Cliff