Windows 10: While making windows media, usb flash drive got set to readonly and cannot be undone

I was preparing a format usb for 22H2 version. Then this this happened. You owe me a new usb drive!

:)

 

While making windows media, usb flash drive got set to readonly and cannot be undone

Was making a usb drive for re-installing windows, and the media creation tool failed with an error (something went wrong!) Now the usb drive is readonly and could not be undone. My usb drive is now unusable. Tried: Diskpart, and several 3rd party apps. Also tried on a linux machine with hdparm and gparted to no avail. How can I undo this readonly?

 

While making windows media, usb flash drive got set to readonly and cannot be undone

Hi Joe,

My name is Igor, I have 12 Microsoft MVP awards. It's a pleasure for me to help others and I'll do all my best to help you. I'm sorry you have a problems.

Sorry for bad news but likely this is an indication of faulty USB flash drive. You may ask manufacturer's support for clarification.

 

How to reformat USB Recovery Drive

Part of the commands and results were missing from the image.

Open adminstrative command prompt and type or copy and paste:
diskpart
list disk
select disk #
(replace # with the disk number for the flash drive)
attributes disk clear readonly
exit


If the above steps work then you are set.
If the above steps fail then view this link for additional troubleshooting steps:
How to Format Read-only USB Drive Successfully?