Just got DS Lite and having problems!! HELP

I just recently bought the DS Lite and I LOVE IT. The only thing I have against it is that it is almost impossible to press Up-Right, Up-Left, Down-Left, and Down- Right. I usually wouldn't care but for games like Mario DS and MPH, it is really hard to play because it is hard to hit them. I'm wondering if it's just my DS Lite or if there is something I can do about it like getting a D-Pad cover that makes it easier or something. Thanks!

i have the same annoying problem...when i play animal crossing or final fantsy 3 i dont bother using the d-pad anymore!

also has any 1 realised how porely made some of the ds lites r? the bottom of mine near the gameboy slot its falling off and ive seen how many peoples top screens are falling off! fix it nintendo!