If you need read/write permissions, it appears that you are S.O.L

If you need read only access, you are OK

This is ADO code
Code:
    Dim cn As Connection
    Set cn = New Connection
    
    cn.Mode = adModeRead
    cn.Open "Provider=Microsoft.Jet.OLEDB.4.0;Data Source=sample.xls;Extended Properties=Excel 8.0"