Two Tables need same Data Type

I have two different ODBC tables and as a result of a make
table query I'm trying to change the Data Type on both
tables to read "text". One table already reads "text" but
the other reads "number" every time I try to change it the
change will not save??(Ms Access allows me to change it
but it will not keep the change). How can I change the
Data Type to "text" in the one and it to remain a text
field. (Keep in mind the information changes because the
fields are updated daily but as a result of the make table
query I was under the impression that I could make changes
to my table as needed regardless to the daily updates.