Unable to format floppy

[Robert S]

I've been unable to format a floppy. If I do a quick format I get "Windows
was unable to complete the format". If I do a full format, it goes right to
the end then I get "Windows was unable to complete the format". If I do
chkdsk a: from the command prompt it reports no errors:

C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator>chkdsk a:
The type of the file system is FAT.
Volume Serial Number is C409-4F58
Windows is verifying files and folders...
File and folder verification is complete.
Windows has checked the file system and found no problems.

1,457,664 bytes total disk space.
1,457,664 bytes available on disk.

512 bytes in each allocation unit.
2,847 total allocation units on disk.
2,847 allocation units available on disk.

But if I try to access a: I get:

C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator>a:
The volume does not contain a recognized file system.
Please make sure that all required file system drivers are loaded and that
the volume is not corrupted.

I've tried replacing the cable, but this doesn't make any difference. Looks
a bit like a software problem??

 

[Gordon]

I've been unable to format a floppy. If I do a quick format I get
"Windows was unable to complete the format". If I do a full format,
it goes right to the end then I get "Windows was unable to complete
the format". If I do chkdsk a: from the command prompt it reports no
errors:

Does this happen with EVERY floppy or just one particular one?

 

[Plato]

I've been unable to format a floppy. If I do a quick format I get "Windows
was unable to complete the format". If I do a full format, it goes right to
the end then I get "Windows was unable to complete the format". If I do
chkdsk a: from the command prompt it reports no errors:

Try a brand new disk. Try a floppy drive cleaning kit.