Haven't got VC++ express myself yet (it's free though), so I've not really looked at this article in depth yet, but here's a tute on building a "Hello Word" plugin.
Build Maya Plugins with VC++ Express

Also, here's the results of a google search that contains a few possibly helpfull links. You've probly already seen em, but if not, here 'tis: making plugins maya vc express

Simon