Microsoft Query not functional

[Ron McMahon]

When I am trying to import data with a new database query
(Data | Import External Data | New Database Query...)
Excel goes and calls MSQuery, and I see the program icon
in my start bar, but MSQuery never actually ends up
showing up on the screen. I click on the program, with
no response, right clicking does nothing. Minimizing /
sizing excel child windows does not reveal the app. (I've
used MSQuery in older versions of Excel)

When I attempt to open MSQuery again from the same menu
item, I get a message that states "Microsoft Query is
busy editing another query for Microsoft Excel. You can
not edit more than one query at a time from within
Microsoft Excel. Switch back to Microsoft Query to
complete (or cancel) the editing operation currently in
progress."

I have installed all the current patches for Microsoft
Office XP and have even 'repaired' the installation on my
Windows XP Pro system, to no avail.

I CAN get Microsoft Query to work if I launch the
application directly, but then the results are not linked
to Excel.

Any suggestions on how to get Microsoft Query to work
properly?