comparing a string to a password encrypted file in MySQL

Hi, I have a table holding usernames/passwords where the passwords have been one-way encrypted using the password() function. The user is entering his/her password in plain text. How do I compare it with the encrypted password field in my MySQL table? Caveat: I first want to retrieve the row based ONLY on the username. Then, I want to check if the password is correct. I can't seem to find a PHP equivalent of the MySQL password() function. Thanks, Don --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.483 / Virus Database: 279 - Release Date: 5/19/2003