Protecting uploads without RewriteEngine

Hey everyone,

I work for a major university and we are currently migrating sites in a department to WordPress. One of the sites needs to have all files in the Uploads folder protected so that only logged in user can access those files. Normally I can do this in the .htaccess file. BUT, our Sys Admins have RewriteEngine blocked System Wide and per them, it will not be cut on.

Does anyone know of a way that I can block access to that folder or another folder that I can upload to so that only logged in user can access certain files that are attached to a page or post.

Any help would be great!