It depends on which Access *file format* the other person created the
database in. Access 2003 software can use A2000 file format natively or
A2002-A2003 file format (same format for 2 versions of Access software). In
fact, the default file format for a new database file created in A2002 or
A2003 software is actually A2000 file format but this could be changed or
the file has been converted to A2002-A2003 file format.
If the file is in A2002-A2203 format, you can't open it. If it is in A2000
file format, you can open it but features that were introduced in
A2002/A2003 software and used in the database won't work with A2000
software.
Simpler to ask the sender to make sure he / she sends you a copy in A2000
file format.