WIN XP PRO can't format floppy disk

[grammjr]

Try as I might, I am not allowed by XP to format a floppy disk. I can read and write to floppies, but cannot format. It says it cannot access the drive and that I should close whatever program is using it. But no programs are using it. I was also having trouble reading floppies sometimes and so I bought a new floppy drive and it acted the same way.

 

[Rick]

This is probably the due to interference with some othe program, such as a virus scanner.

I think if you close all of your other programs, you will be able to format your floppy drive.

 

[RealBlackStuff]

I have seen this before. In Explorer, first click on any harddisk to make that the current drive. Then RIGHTCLICK on the floppy (A and select Format.

By first clicking on A: and then trying to execute Format, you have already made A: the current drive, which is consequently blocked by the OS.

 

[poertner_1274]

You might also have the power cord in backwards plugged into the drive. Check and make sure it and the ribbon are plugged in correctly.

 

[grammjr]

Power cord is OK.
Tried selecting C: and then right clicking A: but did not work.
Turned off Norton AV and bingo.. I could format.
Could N AV also cause some floppied to appear to be unformatted even when they are? Could it make floppies unreadable while turned on? Is there a way around having to turn off AV to format?

Thanks