5
okay.....
manually create a file called "badips9998c4" (no filename extension), place it in the "configs" folder and make it writeable. Start with a CHMOD of 777 and then tighten it from there until it no longer works. Then go back one step
Whilst you're there, make sure that you have the "group19998c4" file referred to in Protector admin's "Protect centre". Like the other file, there's no filename extension and it should be writeable too.
These two files are where Protector stores its list of banned and "never to be banned" IP addresses.
Let us know how you get on after doing this.