It is a recurring problem with a lot of flash drives suppliers: the write protection announced when attempting to format ... This did not escape the rule. Yet not latch, nothing on the key (when we get to read it!). What to do before you see red ... Download these 3 free software: HDD Low Level Format Tool 4.3 EASEUS Partition Master free 10.0 (or more) USB WriteProtector. 1) Remove the key and USB WriteProtector run in administrator mode (essential!) And check that "USB protection" is disabled. Insert key. Alternate modes if required, remembering to go out and re-insert the key each time. A reboot of the PC may be required. If you get an error message is that you probably not being in admin mode. 2) HDD ... Start administrator mode (essential!) And run the low-level format. 3) Launch EASEUS. Create and format the partition x (check that you are on the right media selected!) Logical partition. EASEUS will show two partitions: the first is reserved * not affected (7,85Mo), the second corresponds to a useful score. About 16GB, it remains 14,56Go. And here's your key is unlocked and active. Reminder: all these operations are performed by ADMINISTRATOR fashion !!! (Right click on the program). Otherwise, the key is beautiful, very fast (see tests in other reviews). The cap snaps (yes, yeah ...) on the back of the key. Considering the price, the brand, avoid hypermarkets and other vendors under 2, this key is excellent ... if you pass the previous three steps. One star less for this concern.