I have recently wanted to a register a domain name that says it has expired although it is still marked as 'taken' on EVERY major domain registrar i have tried.

The WHOIS states the status is as follows:
Status: REDEMPTIONPERIOD

does this mean anything?

also some more information:

Updated Date: 15-jul-2006
Creation Date: 03-jun-2003
Expiration Date: 03-jun-2006

Thank you for any help you can give me.

You can only register the domain name, after it is dropped. Follow the link below to find detailed information regarding Redemptionperiod:

http://www.katpatuka.org/pub/doc/domainLifeCycle.html

I believe this answers my question: ' Depending on the registrar, a domain name can remain in the REDEMPTION PERIOD status anywhere from 1-35 days, with 30 days being the average'.

Thank you for your help Maxo.

freewho.com/checker.php will tell when it will drop too