thanks for everyone that has helped me thus far. After working on this for a little while, and trying a few different apps to recover passwords, I feel that I have taken 1 step foreward and 2 steps back.

2 of the 3 apps I used claimed the database is not password protected. I think that assessment is probably correct. So my assumptions about the lack of protection have proven true.

I still have not been able to find a way to prove to my admin that the database is vulnerable. Yes, I understand that I need to crack it right in front of them..that is spot on accurate...

So now I am down to 2 options. One, figure out why on earth I can't give myself admin privileges in Access (probably because I'm doing something stupid), or figure out how to step around the password check.

Anyway, at this point, any helpful references or applicable tutorials to get my brain re-fired would be appreciated.