Windows Vista - won't allow administrator to remove read only attribute

I am using windows vista business - installed at the factory by the PC manufacturer.

I have a single user account which is configured as administrator.

I am logged in on that account.

In windows vista many sub-directories are listed as "read only" (such as anything under program files - and surprisingly - most folders under c:\users\{USER}) and even as administrator vista will not let me change this attribute.

(** on a side note: I also noticed that legacy programs that try to save files to their home directories in program files will end up saving their files to a "virtualstore" which is inconveniently nestled away in C:\Users\{USER}\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\Program Files\{PROGRAM} - Now, I can see how this is great for security - but it really sucks when I have to go find those files later and "by george, they just aren't there!" - even though the path of those files always seems to point to c:\Program Files\{PROGRAM}..  Try creating a (right click menu) shortcut to one of these files from the open or save dialog box from within your application - the shortcut you get on your desktop will point to a file and path that doesn't exist.  Please don't ask me how many hairs I pulled out finding my files in this "virtualstore" because ironically (can you find any irony in this?) VISTA DOESN'T INDEX THIS PART OF THE DIRECTORY STRUCTURE for its indexed search!.... *but I digress*)

I have the following directory:
C:\Users\Public\Documents\STALKER-SHOC\savedgames

This directory is also set to read only.

I changed the security permissions on this folder to allow everyone (including all users and systems listed under the security tab) to full control of this directory.

Now, If I attempt to remove the check from the read-only checkbox in the properties dialog box for said directory - windows vista accepts the changes without error when I hit okay.. However, the next time I open the properties for this folder - windows vista has re-checked the read only checkbox. This seems to be the case for pretty much any directory under c:\Users in which I attempt to remove the read only attribute.

I have searched around the net - and have found no acceptable solutions to this issue yet. I did read some mumbings about removing the read only flag (which seems to be set by default) from the system root, however, upon consideration, this seemed to be a bit rash, given the possible system wide security impact.

Also - I am not running any 3rd party system software, such as anything with a Symantec label on it. (I quickly removed their pre-installed suite from my new machine as soon as I unwrapped the tower from the box.)

You'd think that if it were against the user or group policies to change this attribute - that vista would throw an error at me, considering I am the administrator, right? - rather than just quietly re-enabling the read only attribute after i have closed the properties dialog box.. I'm starting to think that M$ should have borrowed the sega dreamcast's slogan from a few years back and changed it to -

Microsoft Windows Vista - "Its thinking... for you."

I appreciate your kind consideration and tolerence for my sarcasm on this issue - and I hope someone has some genuine insight into the background of how this security system works and why it would apparently overrule my decision to remove the attribute.