Mysql 1050 Error “Table already exists” when in fact, it does not (no replies)

I am getting the following error on Linux box which is a live data box.

The table infact existed earlier. not it is nor seen in he DB.

Whenever I am trying to create or import from the backup, I am getting the following error.

Mysql 150 Error “Table already exists” when in fact, it does not

AND

when I use drop / repair / alter / select i get a error message "Table Does not exist".


I am very much confused to see a abigious message where on one side it says does not exists and on otheside it says It Exist. there is no .frm file in the folder.

When I copy from the testing .frm file from similar db on same server still it does not recognize.

Please help how this can be resolved. and why this happens?

thanks,
Chandra