Very Computer

I've setup my Apache web server quite a while ago and never really had to
change settings. Until now. One of the users wants user authentication.
I got a document from 'Apache Week' explaining what to do and made various
changes accordingly. But whatever I try I do not get user authentication.
Below, my .htaccess file and that part of the httpd.conf file which,
according to me, deals with user home directories. I used htpasswd to setup
a user/password file.
I'm using apache 1.3.4

.htaccess:
AuthName "restricted stuff"
AuthType Basic
AuthUserFile /usr/local/etc/apache/users

require valid-user

httpd.conf:
...
<Directory /usr/home/*/public_html>
    AllowOverride FileInfo AuthConfig Limit
    Options MultiViews Indexes SymLinksIfOwnerMatch IncludesNoExec
    <Limit GET POST OPTIONS PROPFIND>
        Order allow,deny
        Allow from all
    </Limit>
    <Limit PUT DELETE PATCH PROPPATCH MKCOL COPY MOVE LOCK UNLOCK>
        Order deny,allow
        Deny from all
    </Limit>
</Directory>
....

I've gone through www.apache.org and read the FAQ, searched for info but to
no avail.

What am I missing?

If possible plse email me as I am not a regular reader of this news group

TIA

Daan