Same hapen to me too , easy solution for weekend or if your host dont turn off safe mode.
Just macke a backup of your media and thumbnail folder
delet them on the server
and upload them via ftp again.
Ok i know it just works for smal gallerys ..
but it works
Ohh i forgot to say it hapens after a hack attack that i lost all permissions on my pictures too.
and mass of save mode failors happen. Broken link a mass.
Greatings form austria
mohab