First of all, for Form1_load to be executed, you have to set the startup Object to be Form1.

It is intended to set in the GUI of the IDE (not by manually editing the module code ) in: Project | Properties | Application

be sure to set:

• Type of application: Windows Forms application
• Startup Form: Form1

Moreover, your Form1_Load code Handles MyBase.Load, but I cannot see where Mybase is defined. So just to be sure:

• cut entire Load code (from Private Sub Form1_Load to End Sub),
• create a new placeholder for Form_Load event by selecting the Load event from the dropdown list of Form1 events
• paste the code of the function (except first and last line) between Private Sub Form1_Load and End Sub lines

When executing the program Form1 will be called, and the system will trigger Form1_load

BTW it's normal for functions called by system events to show 0 references (references are counted whan explicitally called by other pieces of code you write)