What would cause a USB drive to become unwritable?

[beer]

I was running a batch file from the USB key in Win2K and I started getting delayed write failed messages. Before that, it was in a WinXP box where it was optimized for quick removal.

I can read from the disk now, but I can't write to it; if I do so, Windows pops up with a Device I/O Error. I can't format it under FAT or NTFS, since that generates 'track 0 or media unusable' or 'The first NTFS boot sector is unwritable. All NTFS boot sectors are unwritable. Cannot continue.'

Anyone have a clue? Did I fubar my keychain drive somehow? Anyone have a clue how to fix it, besides RMAing it?

 

[corkyg]

I have had one compact flash media go completely bad. It cannot be read, formatted or used. There is circuitry on the module, and I suspect that it was zapped by a voltage spike caused by l;eaving it in a reader/writer for an extended period of time through many power ups and downs.

RMA? Worth a try - but I doubt it. I just use mine for a training aid in class.

 

[Vegito]

I had that happen to me.. RMA is the only option... sandisk has 5 year so its not that bad.. well 5 year on the stuff i had but not sure if its any different now