I agree with Frank that the drive is probably broken, although the problem
is not in the heads. you could inspect it for any debris, label, etc stuck
inside the drive itself that is interfering with the simple, mechanical
method of determining the disk is write-protected, the position of the
sliding door that closes (write enabled) a small square hole on the
diskette, or opens (write-protected).
Failing that, replace the drive.  They are less than $15, sometimes less
than $10.
Tom Turak

-----Original Message-----
From: Frank Suszka [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Friday, February 20, 2004 12:42 AM

Patricia Kiml wrote:
>"Cannot copy-----.Disk is => write-protected. Remove write-protection or
use another disk."
Floppy disks - The write-protection hole in the corner of the floppy disk
should be kept covered to prevent accidental wiping of the disk or the
introduction of viruses. The disk must be kept clean, dry and away from
magnetic fields or places where it might be physically damaged.

On one side of the floppy drive, (3-1/2")If you look at it from the back
side you will see two little holes on either side of the disk. The one on
the left is the lock which will prevent your from writing to the disk which
means that the information there has been protected and you can not write
over it. This is rudimentary and it is effective. If the little tab is in
the up position, you are or will be unable to write to the disk.

> Also, sometimes, I can jiggle the tab on the = disk, and it will let me
copy one thing, but can never get anything else = on the disk.  Can you help
me please?? Am I doing something wrong??

>My computer is about 5 years old...could it be too old?

This is pure conjecture. It may not be too old but then again the drive may
be dysfunctional and needs to be replaced.

>The disk drive reads the disks fine.

Over time, the hardware will fail for many reasons. Dirt and debris caused
by what ever factor. Improper handing of floppies to dirt are among a few of
the factors


Sincerely,
Frank Suszka

> -----Original Message-----
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Patti Kiml
> Sent: Thursday, February 19, 2004 20:12

> Every time that I try to copy something to a disk any more, the =
> following message shows up  :  "Cannot copy-----.Disk is =
> write-protected. Remove write-protection or use another disk."  This has
> never happened before.  Also, sometimes, I can jiggle the tab on the =
> disk, and it will let me copy one thing, but can never get anything else =
> on the disk.  Can you help me please?? Am I doing something wrong??
>
> I have Windows 98, and I usually use a fresh disk.  There is no problem
> when I try to copy from other PC's.  My computer is about 5 years
> old...could it be too old?   The disk drive  reads the disks fine.
>  Patricia Kiml

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