diff --git a/system/database/DB.php b/system/database/DB.php
index a60c98e..f7476a6 100644
--- a/system/database/DB.php
+++ b/system/database/DB.php
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 	$obj =& get_instance();
 
 	// Do we even need to load the database class?
-	if ($obj->_ci_is_loaded('db') == TRUE AND $return == FALSE AND $active_record == FALSE)
+	if (class_exists('CI_DB') AND $return == FALSE AND $active_record == FALSE)
 	{
 		return FALSE;
 	}