Why won't my pdf resume upload?

I am applying for a job that requires me to upload a resume in either pdf or rft formats as part of the online application.  I designed and wrote my resume in Word (2003, SP3), opened Adobe Acrobat Pro (9.1.3), used the "Create" function to turn my Word file into a pdf, embedded the fonts, saved the pdf...then...on the employer's website, I received an error message when I tried to upload my pdf file (see copy of message below).  After several tries on different computers, I finally spoke to a real person at this company who said my resume had too much formatting...they only have Version 8 (I assume that's Reader, not Acrobat), and I should remove some of the formatting and re-try.  By the way, this person told me that the company has already received OVER 500 resumes successfully uploaded.

After many versions of my resume still would not upload, I completely stripped my resume.  No bold, no underline, no tables, no columns, Tahoma font in 3 different sizes.  This time, I saved the file as a Word Document and as in Rich Text Format, and converted both to pdf.  Resume looks lousy...but at least it would upload.  No such luck!!!!  I got the same error message that I had received with all the formatting.  Last night, I tried to upload the files using a friend's computer.  I could open my pdf file in his Adobe Reader...no problem.  Tried to upload...same error message.  Finally decided to try uploading the rtf file.  Worked perfectly, first try.

Although my rtf was successful, I would like to know why the pdf wouldn't upload.  I assume if I can actually get the pdf upload to work, I'll be able to use at least some formatting to improve the look of my resume.  I also have to upload Recommendation Letters, all of which are in pdf format.

Here is the error message.  I very much appreciate your help!!