One more question...
What kind of user are you for Vista? Plus - what version of Vista are you using?
I got a feeling you have administrative rights... but you are listed as a user. That and you are more likely using Vista Home Premium. This makes a big difference on being able to handle the shadow copy files and even the hibernation feature correctly. With Vista Ultimate even the true administartor has to assume the rights of control to be in control of this. Look here and see..
Control Panel\Administrative Tools\Computer Management\Local Users and Groups\Users - to see what kind of a account you have?
Control Panel\Administrative Tools\Computer Management\Local Users and Groups\Groups\Backup Operators - to see who is in control of said feature?
These are in Vista Ultimate and not found in Home Premium.
The system will not tell you the complete truth in Vista Home Premium. It has a built in security feature as did XP Home Edition had for the same exact reasons. Thus it does not do as XP and let you know what you can't do. It just does not do it and/or let you know it is not going to do it either.
Good Luck
SGT