.doc files are playing hide and go seek with me...

Hey everyone!

I download preformatted .doc files from my school's drop box on the internet where I modify an exhisting file, save it onto my hard drive, and the upload it into another box onto the internet. I am having a problem with the file "disappearing" once it has been saved. I am using microsoft word (not works) 2003. As far as I know the version that the file was created on is the same as mine. Once I save the file in "My Documents" and close the window, I then go to the internet to upload it when I discover that the file has "disappeared". When I re-open WinWord I do not see the file recovery task pane, and I have know of no way to retrieve my saved information. Does anyone have any thoughts on where my files could have gone?

Thanks,
Ian

Side note: I am 100% sure that I saved the file in My Documents, I have chosen to show hidden files, and I have also ran a search for any .doc files that have been modified in the last week throughout my entire computer, and still cannot locate it.