class.upload.php is a powerful and mature PHP class to manage uploaded files, and manipulate images in many ways. The script is available under a GPL license.
more info about the class
include('/uploadclass/class.upload.php');
include($_SERVER['DOCUMENT_ROOT']."/code/upload/class.upload.php");
That was the issue all along, at least 50%. Updated to and it works like a charm -- as advertised.
Not sure I can effectively describe my shame at this moment...