First of all, desktop software just isn't as popular as it used to be. Everyone wants to develop a webapp or a packaged app.
Second, Microsoft consolidated all of their languages into .NET right around the time you're describing, and they all get translated into the same middle language before being compiled. Maybe except C++? Not sure. Either way there's really no reason to choose VB when you can have C# and they all get converted to the same thing.
Lastly, Basic was always seen a "hobby" language, a reputation which was carried over to Visual Basic. So once again, serious programmers will look at the Visual Studio suite and go with C# or C++.
Second, Microsoft consolidated all of their languages into .NET right around the time you're describing, and they all get translated into the same middle language before being compiled. Maybe except C++? Not sure. Either way there's really no reason to choose VB when you can have C# and they all get converted to the same thing.
Lastly, Basic was always seen a "hobby" language, a reputation which was carried over to Visual Basic. So once again, serious programmers will look at the Visual Studio suite and go with C# or C++.