Sarge system: DNS failing?

[Carl Fink <carl@finknetwork.com>]

I just noticed (because my DNSBL's aren't working) that most DNS lookups on
my server are failing.  BIND is not installed and /etc/resolv.conf contains
two valid DNS servers.

If I use "dig @nitpicking.com hostname" it fails because it can't find
nitpicking.com.  If I type "dig @66.199.228.240 hostname" it succeeds--but
nitpicking.com IS 66.199.228.240.  What would cause the system to fail to
test against resolv.conf?

I'd appreciate any help here--the failed DNSBLs are letting a LOT of spam
through.
-- 
Carl Fink                                   carl@finknetwork.com
   "Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your
   government when it deserves it."
                      - Mark Twain