Error code -8003? Can't empty trash

All I'm trying to do is empty my trash. All that's in the trash are a bunch of empty folders, but whenever I go "Finder > Empty Trash," I get the usual thermometer bar for a few seconds (which seems odd in itself, considering how small the files in the Trash are), then this error message:

The operation can’t be completed because an unexpected error occurred (error code -8003).

I ran Disk Utility, Repaired Permissions, it gave me a clean bill of health. I then re-started the iMac, and when it was fully booted, tried to empty the trash again. Same error message.

Then I ran OnyX v2.1.4, no problems, restarted, tried to empty the trash, same result.

Then I ran Maintenance v1.3.2, no problems, restarted, tried to empty the trash, same result.

In each case of verifying or repairing disk or permissions, all three utilities generated humongous logs, which I've saved.

I looked on Apple's Support site for error codes. I was directed to this page:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2088?viewlocale=en_US

Which says "Mac OS System Error Codes: 1 to 32767," which one would think to be inclusive of error code -8033… but it ain't: the error codes go from 103 (ds32BitMode (booting in 32-bit on a 24-bit sys) to 20000 (dsShutDownOrRestart user choice between ShutDown and Restart)

I've tried several other sites that claim to have listings of Mac error codes, but it's my understanding -- please correct me if I'm wrong -- that error codes are not static; they evolve with the system.

BTW, all this happened after installing the latest software update, which included the 356th new driver for HP Printers this week alone, and something else I can't remember.

Whatever the case, I can't get rid of these empty folders. Any ideas?

Thanks!

Bart Brown