Samba (Sharing from Ubuntu to Windows)

Hello,

Novice Ubuntu user here. I've been troubleshooting for some time and feel lost. Originally, I installed Ubuntu (Precise Pangolin) and initially just shared a few folders using the GUI. Right click > Sharing Options > Share > and on one folder, allowed guest access. Another folder, would require my user name password.

In Windows 7, it was working. It was allowing me to enter my Ubuntu system username/password to access the "private" share. However, a week or two ago, it stopped working.

I've been thru the smb.conf file, added my user name settings, added the user, password, etc. Reloaded samba.

Funny thing is, after doing so - Windows says the network share for the "private" folder (the one which requires authentication, is no longer available. The public/guest access folder is still working.

I'm not sure what to do next, honestly. I'm happy to provide (albeit private information removed) conf file pastes, and any other information that may be needed.

If this question has been asked/answered before, I apologize :) Like I said, Ubuntu (and general Linux) noob/novice here. :-) Your help is greatly appreciated!