folder attributes are stuck

hello, i am running xp and it seems that all of my files within my docs have been set to read only. i can uncheck the box and apply the setting sbut as soon as i check the folder properties again, it is set to read only once again. anyone know a fix? thanks in advance.

"Seems"? Are you sure they really are though? When you view the folder properties for C:\Documents and Settings[name]\My Documents, the read-only check box can appear to be filled, but by a greyed-out tick or a square box instead of the bold black check mark. This means that some, though not all, of the files in there are read only. This can include system and hidden files, which you don't want to mess around with any way. This unchecking-but-looking-like-nothing-has-changed behaviour is normal.

alright, thanks... the box was square as you described. however.... when i apply attribute changes to any of the individual files within the folder, they also revert to prior settings (a check mark)