Vista - Cannot access encrypted files in Vista

I recently encrypted a bunch of files in Vista by right clicking on the
foler, properties,advanced, then checking the encryption option. I no longer
can access these files, the files names are showing up green which mean they
are encrypted i try to open it and i get the following message:

Encrypting File System
You are encrypting a file or trying to access an encrypted file using a
smart card.
Enter your smart card pin.

The thing is i dont thikn i have a smart card or smart card pin.

Please help, very impt files.

Thank you.

Thaaqib