USB DRIVE

Based on the fact that it is write protected on many different computers, I would think that the write protection is on the USB drive itself, rather than in the registry.

I would recommend checking the drive itself for something like what is shown in the picture here:
http://www.samlogic.net/usb-autorun-creator/write-protected-usb-sticks.htm

Ensure that the write protection isn't switched to "on" on the device itself.

Hope this helps!

:o)

Bartender_1

no i don't see any write protection switch on the stick

Sometimes it can be a registry setting that can be changed as seen here:
http://www.ghacks.net/2009/04/03/usb-flash-drive-write-protection/

Other than that, it possible the drive was removed from a system while it was being written to, and requires a low level format to correct.

Is there data on this drive that you require?

Are all the computers on the same network? Are you on a domain? If so then it is possible that a group policy has been set on each computer to prevent writing data to the usb drive.

first you need to find out if it's an issue with the USB drive or with the computers you're using.  Try the flash drive on a personal machine off the network.  If it works then it's like the previous posters' thoughts where it's most likely a Group policy is enforced.

If it doesn't work - it's the USB drive.

To remove write protect from the drive, (assuming you don't have a hard switch), boot into safe mode with command prompt by hitting f8 at startup.

in the command prompt type the following:

diskpart
list disk

you should see your USB drive.

type format (letter of the usb drive)

hit enter after every command.

Interesting. Are the workstations in the same network? I am also curious to see the answer to this question.

May I ask, what does this tool do?  It unlocks the USB drive as well?  This is new to me so I would love to have a clearer explanation.  Thanks.