OOO Writer not opening a file.....

[Barber Ron]

I have this one file in Word 97-2003 format.  Repeated attempts at opening it 
just create locked versions of the file.  I have tried ALL methods of 
rectifying the locked file issue, and nothing worked.  I even updated to 4.1.1 
and, still nothing.
I cannot find a way to unlock this file and I need it ASAP.
The following are the characteristics of this situation:
Microsoft Word 97-2003 Document (.doc)
Standard LEFT click to open results in: "Read Error: This is not a WinWord97 
file."