MariaDB fails to start due to missing file... which exists

111203 19:25:37 [ERROR] mysqld: File '/var/lib/mysql/aria_log_control' not found (Errcode: 13) 111203 19:25:37 [ERROR] mysqld: Got error 'Can't open file' when trying to use aria control file '/var/lib/mysql/aria_log_control' 

However, the file exists and permissions are correct. Any ideas? :(