wdb -- On Linux/KDE, it is possible that applications are restricted not to raise/lower any window. The application "Kontrollzentrum" (in English KDE probably "Control Center") has got a switch where this can be allowed or forbidden.
With my current Linux distribution Kanotix, this restriction was set. Tcl/Tk was affected such that the commands lower, raise did not work. In a Kanotix forum, I found the right hint.
RS Wild guess: on eTcl / Windows/CE, raise alone has no effect, wm deiconify helps though...