Question : No access to the hosts file in WinXP

I am in a desperate need for changing my hosts file (windows\system32\drivers\ets\hosts) in WinXP. But..., i am not allowed to!. The system tells me that i "Cannot create the c:\windows\...... etc   . Make sure that the path and filename are correct.". When i try to rename the file, i am told that someone else or an other program is using the file!. The file is not writeprotected. I am running ZoneAlarm,Norton, SpyBoot.... so i cannot imagine that the problem is a virus, any spy program or what?. I have stopped the internet, stopped everything that i can stop and know about, the result is the same.
No access. Any idea anyone? The problem started suddenly. No known system modifications.

Answer : No access to the hosts file in WinXP

try editing it in safe mode.