Launch Base, the database component of OpenOffice.org. Click "Connect to an existing database." Click on the list box and select the "Spreadsheet" option. Click the "Next" button. Click "Browse ...

Appart from the 'Natural Detox', gilbrikc mayhave a point:- All MySQL prior to 4.1 are UTF-8 unaware and that may be causing fun on the import, it's a long shot but something to consider.