Time control w/mate

 Hi all,  I believe I read somewhere that if a player reaches his time control, but has checkmate on the move, he does NOT lose on time.  This actually happeened to me my last game.  I had checkmate, but it said I lost on time.  Can I have a ruling on this question?    It just doesnt seem right to me. 

   Any thoughts?  Advise as to how to protest a game?

  David

You have to checkmate your opponent before your flag falls*.  Occasionally, there are some heated arguments about which occurred first: checkmate or flag drop.  That's when the TDs earn their "big bucks."

*In USCF parlance, you have moved the piece and removed your hand.

  Thanks Wonton, I guess when there is no actual flag (online chess), you just have to accept the ruling of the computer...

   O K   I guess...