Created a password in Arabic but can't select that language on sta

Basically, as I stated in the Subject, I created my log-in in Arabic, yet on
startup the language list only displays English. Alt+Shift doesn't change the
language (even when I click on the EN icon, only English is available). So
I'm basically locked out of my system and I don't have a password reset disk.
Any ideas as to what I can try. Btw, this worked perfectly in XP (i.e.
creating the password in Arabic then Alt+Shifting on startup to switch to
Arabic to enter the password) so I'm a bit amazed - well, not really - that
it doesnt work in Vista. I'm using Vista Ultimate as well.

Thanks for any help.