calendar Reminders should pop up without opening the actual progra

I used the Office 2000 and the calendar reminders would pop up on my desk top
for every reminder that I set. I paid extra to upgrade to Office 2003 and
now you actually have to open the calendar program for the reminder to pop
up. If I'm opening the program-and looking at the calendar and the events I
have entered why would I even need a reminder? I'm LOOKING right at it...I
dont understand why they would take this pop up on the desk top feature away.
What purpose is the reminder serving if you have to REMEMBER to OPEN the
program (or have the program open with start up). I'll go back to using my
Office 2000 and return this one.