using xlsread get's matlab to stuck

Hi, i am using matlab R2014a and excel 2013 saving files in .xlsx format. when i use a=xlsread('filename') matlab is writing "busy" as though it is reading the file but it just stays that way. when i want to exit matlab it tells me the program is not responding. i want to mention that i used xlsread before and had no problems with it. this problem just came out of the blue. can you help me PLEASE??? thanks.

[Star Strider]

If the Excel file is small enough, upload (attach) it here.

To attach it, use the ‘paperclip’ icon, and complete both the ‘Choose file’ and ‘Attach file’ steps.

[Jan]

You can use the debugger to step through the code line by line. This would at least reveal the failing command.