Question : Problem: "locked Desktop" on iMac OS Leopard

I have some files on the desktop of my Mac that I cannot trash; after I drag the files to trash, the system asks for my administrator password; when I give this, nothing happens; back to square one. Additionally I cannot SAVE any file to my desktop either.
ERROR MESSAGE: Microsoft Excel cannot access the file Macintosh HD:Users:"ME":desktop
It states the file path may be incorrect but this isn't so.
Also I cannot delete the desktop files from with FINDER either.
Help please?

Answer : Problem: "locked Desktop" on iMac OS Leopard

are the files locked?
unlock through get info

if files don't get emptied from trash holding down option while selecting empty trash sometimes will shift them. Otherwise generally a restart followed by emptying trash let's you empty trash if that doesn't work