cannot refresh linked access table if source database is locked

I have recently upgraded to a Windows 7 (64bit) machine and am having trouble
with querying data from an access database.

I have an application which uses an .mdb file. It has the .mdb file locked
while running. I was previously able to refresh a linked table to the
application's .mdb file while it was locked (in Windows XP (x64), Access
2007). I now cannot do this and get a "file already in use" error.

Similarly, I am unable to refresh pivot tables which are sourced from locked
access databases.

Does anyone know how I can remedy this?