Obviously, I'm guessing #1/5/97# is interpretted as January 5, 1997.
I'd try Dianne's suggestion instead. Haven't tested any of these, but
for May 1, 1997 try:

Target=DateSerial(1997, 5, 1) 'Year, Month , Day

or maybe

Target= CDate(5 &"/"& 1 &"/"& 1997)

"The day is before the month" .... next thing you know the UK will be
claiming a "metric system" is the way to go ... when will the madness
end?? :)