[CentOS] How to prevent reading of an xml in a particular directory from browser in apache on Centos4.4

hi friends,

 I have configured a HelpDesk Ticketing System on Centos4.4. The
problem I am facing is that there is a file called "site.xml" which
contains the information about database connections and I don't want
ppl to be able to read that file through browser. As per the
readme.htm of that software if the below entries will be put in
.htaccess then nobody can read the xml through browser.

<Files ~ ".xml">
   Order allow,deny
   Deny from all
   Satisfy All
</Files>


Even though the above entries are there in .htaccess still I am able
to read "site.xml" file. How do I prevent the reading of this file ?

HelpDesk Ticketing Software is under /var/www/html/request and
.htaccess is also under /var/www/html/request.

Please let me know if you need any further information.

Thanks & Regards

Ankush Grover