Phone cannot be synced. "The required file is locked" - Please help!

Since I downloaded the new version if iTunes, my phone will not sync properly. I've narrowed it down to a issue specifically with syncing photos.
I've restarted the phone, restarted the computer, checked for additional upgrades. I have a PC, not a Mac, so no iPhotos. iTunes worked great before, with no syncing issues.
Now, when I try to sync -- it syncs everything but pictures. The error message says "The iPhone cannot be synced. The required file is locked". I've tried different picture folders, I've tried removing "read only" protection on the photos, I've tried renaming the photo files so there are no spaces or other symbols like underscores. I've tried removing all pictures from the phone, but now, no pictures will sync, even the very same picture folders that were previously on the phone.
I've searched topics, and so far, haven't found anything similar. Can someone please help me? or advise what else I can do? or who I can contact???
Thank you!
Tabitha

As a side note -- it appears that it may be an issue because my music and photo files are all saved on an external hard drive.
I copied a photo file and put it on my desktop - and the photos synced.
However -- the music files were on the external hard drive and those synced fine with no errors. Pictures on the external hard drive, did not.
Prior to the iTunes upgrade, everything synced fine from my external hard drive.
Anyone?

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    QuickTime 7.6
    FairPlay 1.1.11
    CD Driver 2.0.7.5
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    Apple Mobile Device 2.1.2.7
    Bonjour 1.0.6.2 (118.5)
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    NVIDIA GeForce 6100
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    Hi,
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  • TS1538 iPod can not be synced the required  file can not be found

    ipod canot be synced the required file cannot be found

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