Access 2007 database asking for a password upon compact and repair - never used to

I have a strange occurance on one of my access 2007 databses I use on a dialy basis.
This database is password protected upon startup.
However, when I try to do a compact and repair, it is asking me for a password and the initial password is not recognised.
meaning I cannot compact and repair this databse anymore on a regular basis as I used to in the past.
I have not had this issue and have been using the database fro about a year now?

Also. I cannot open this database exclusively, it asks for the same password (I do not have) It looks as if Access has its own mind and locked me out of the database if I try to open it exclusively.

the database still works however, but it is inconvenient not being able to repair/compact or open it exclusively