HT201240 My admin password doesn't do anything.

When I enter the admin password (in any instance, be it for updating software or trying to access and edit system preferences) nothing happens. I know the password is typed in correctly, and all that happens is that the window closes down. The little lock icon is perma-locked, even though I enter the correct password, and I can't use any admin functions. I can't install anything, new or updates.
I am using a MacBook Pro Early 2011 running Lion (10.7.5).

Try to reset the administrator password.
Follow the instructions in the beige and green boxes.
http://pondini.org/OSX/Password.html
Note
You should now be able to log in with the new password, but you won't be able to unlock the Keychain. If you've forgotten the Keychain password (which is ordinarily the same as your login password), there's no way to recover it. You’ll need to reset your keychain in the preferences of the Keychain Access application.
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1544

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