Dave R,
You're right! I went through the graphics settings in VMplayer and I had an option set that is normally used for DirectX9 (accelerate 3D graphics). One I turned that option off, my guides appeared.
I wouldn't have thought to change graphics settings as I could see some (vertical) guides, thanks for the suggeestions.
While not perhaps a supported option, I've found Skectchup at various levels to work very well under VMware. Mind you, I'm not exactly a power user!
Regards
Geoff