It is a multi faceted issue.

1. MySQL needs to be enabled to support search terms under 4 characters

2. It must not be one of the STOPWORDS of MySQL STOPWORDS

3. Not sure if UBBT has any specific entries to prevent it or not (don't think so)

However - MySQL and most other sites HIGHLY recommend that you do not allow search terms less than 4 characters as it will potentially place a very large load on your server resources.

That said, most ISP will not allow it to be enabled.