Lost image files

I have been importing images e.g. jpg maps, into DraftSight drawings.  I then worked over them, with the images behind.  The drawings remained stable for several weeks.  Recently, however, all the images have disppeared.  On opening a drawing a message appears in the command window: 'File not found' and giving the file address. The image is replaced on screen with its file address.  If I create a new drawing I appear to be able to import an image and work on the drawing until I close the drawing file.  Then, on re-opening the file, the image is lost.  Does anyone have an answer to this?