Thank you for your idea, and such a prompt response. Still don't understand why or what was wrong.

(since the post was so old, I didn't figure on an answer anytime soon)

So, I went ahead and tried some more, instead of repair IE 6, I tried uninstall. Well, then IE5 would blow up with mshtml.dll error and MS kb articles on that were not helping. Sooo, I just used System Restore to return the Windows ME to the way it was a few weeks ago, and bing, History fixed. (reapplied this weeks hotfix and AVG a-v update, done)

I was troubled/surprized that a Google search and microsoft newsgroup search for IE History blank was not finding anything on point except this old post. Hopefully I don't have reason to try your fix, but hopefully if anyone else does that will do it. (hey you , if it worked please let us know by answering)
i experienced the same problems you had with the missing History ("by date", "by site"). but i was able to solve the problem by deleting the corrupt temporary internet files folder and History folder. but Windows will not allow you to delete these files. you have to shut down your computer first and use a boot up disk to go into MS-DOS mode (instead of Windows).

then find the history folder and temp internet folder in drive c: and delete em.

here's how i did it.

1) at the DOS prompt, enter C: to go to the c: drive
2) type "cd windows" (note: this is for Win ME)
3) type "deltree tempor~1" and select Yes. And type "deltree history", then select yes.
4) restart your computer.