error message when attempting to work with database

[woody]

i have an access 2000 database with a password. while
trying to define an ado connection to teh database in VB6
i get the following error;

test connection failed because of an error in intiializing
provider. Can't start your application. The workgroup
information file is missing or opened exclusively by
another user.

What is wrong and how do i fix this?

thank you for your time and consideration

sincerely

Woody