Windows 7 - Erase a write protected usb

I have a write protected usb memory stick and i cant use it because its write protected, for some reason????? i cant even format it!!, it has no valuable data on it and can be wiped, i just want to be able to use it.

Charlie

Go to Computer, and right click on your USB drive and click on 'Properties'. Once there go to the 'Security' tab (top of window). Below 'Permissions for authenticated users' there is an 'Advanced' button. Click on it. On the 'Owners' tab, there should be an 'Edit' button. Now, select your username in the bottom box, and make sure the checkbox at the bottom is checked. Click on okay, then once it has changed ownership, click on Ok on all 'Properties' windows. You should now have full control of your USB memory stick.

Right click on the USB drive in My Computer, go to Properties, then click on the Security tab. Make sure the box for Writes Allowed is checked, if not, log into an admin account and enable it for users.

Otherwise, right click and format.

cant, this is what my window looks like, and i cant format it either, trust me ive tried. The data on the disk can be deleted if need be.

i have an admin account aswell

What if you right click My Computer | Manage | Disk management. Here right click on the dirve and choose delete volume. Once deleted, right click and choose New volume I think and create a new space. Then format it.

What kind of thumb drive is it?
Brand/Model?

If it is locked by Firmware, then there is nothing you can do but use whatever software that locked it to unlock it.

From your computer Right click on the thumbdrive .... in the dropdown list does it say "Format"?

cant use disk management either delete volume is blacked out.

my friend gave me it and said he couldn't get them to work and if they don't work just throw them away. they don't have a make on them or a model.

jacee, i do have format in the menu