Open Word docs-but only from withinWord!

Win 98SE, Word 2002
I used to be able to open a Word document from anywhere, e.g. from within Explorer double-clicking. Now when I do what I just noted, I get the word menus, but no document…and no, it’s not hidden (I’m not even sure you can do that-I’m thinking of Excel, where I often do this). I end up having to: (1) open Word; and then (2) File\Open or click on the folder to get the Open dialog box.
What happened here???