In windows, this is the same folder in which ppmckc_e.exe resides

That's what I thought.  I'm pretty sure that's how it works on any operating system.  I was confused when it didn't work.

@DPCM={"kick.dmc",15}

Ah yeah that wont work im affraid, quirk of the tools im afraid.

@DPCM={"kick.dmc",15}

didn't know it made a difference to put the long, exact address.  Thanks for the tip will try it later.

I've been using Big Chip's drop tools, but could not get an mml file using dcpm (dpcm?) to compile,

Hmm odd ill have a look into this.

-edit-
No works fine for me. Make sure your putting the address of your dmc sample in correct. If you are using text edit to write your mml file like me the way i do it is to just drag the dmc file into the text aria and it will give  you the absolute address to it. e.g.

@DPCM0 = { "/Users/jYourName/dmcSamples/sanre.dmc",15 }

And it should give you dmc filled nsf's. Hope that helps.

this help?

ppmckc infile

(if the file is infile.mml)

Depending on how you've organised your stuff, you might end up having to do something like:

bin/ppmckc.exe songs/song/infile

I've been using Big Chip's drop tools, but could not get an mml file using dcpm (dpcm?) to compile,

Maybe it doesn't work on Windows at all, just that the .exe on the filename makes you think it does?