I am using CSS attrubutes :
filter: alpha(opacity=90);
opacity: .9;
to make the DIV transparent,
I had the same problem, this is the solution i came up with, which is much easier!
Make a little 1px x 1px transparent image and save it as a .png file.
In the CSS for your DIV, use this code:
background:transparent url('/images/trans-bg.png') repeat center top;
Remember to change the file path to your transparent image.
I think this solution works in all browsers, maybe except for IE 6, but I haven't tested.