My Silicon power 8gb says it is write protected when i reformat it

These cards have a switch on them to protect them just change the position and you should be able to format it.

The problem isn't with write protection. The file system has become corrupt and unreadable, or at least a section of it. If you can't reformat it then it's likely dying or dead. At least you should be able to recover some of your data however...

Go here and get a FREE copy of USB Flash Drive Data Recovery Software:
http://www.easeus.com/resource/drive/usb-flash-drive.htm

You will need to reformat it.

For windows, right click on the drive and hit "Format"

For Mac go to Utilities -> Disk Utility and reformat it from there.

Remember to backup any important files on it first!

Hope this helps!

depends what is wrong. If the drive itself is not going it may be finished. Did you try to reformat it.
If it does not show up when you plug it in, then it depends what windows you are using. Some windows need a driver to make the USB drive work. That can be got from the manufacturers web site.

Try a large neodymium magnet .. it should erase ALL DATA... and allow you to format.

Same thing happens to me .My 8gb silicon usb flash drive got the same error, please insert a disk into drive, the name of my drive weas changed into Removable Disk instead of the name(Sanctuary which is what i used) It said ni media ,and it was registered as XXXXXXXX U167CONTROL USB DEVICE can anyone help me with this.

Save all data and re-install operating programe sounds harsh but will do the job...you must then re-install all the programmes you normally use...dont be upset with this answear ....it has saved me thousands of pounds over the years

Do you have a write protect switch on the pen? If so switch it to the open position.

Here is the answer from PNY.
http://www2.pny.com/support/support_single_faq_viewer.aspx?ArticleID=1415&RootSectionID=1057

Be warned, this is a low level format tool from them. What ever is on your flash drive will be erased.

I went exploring on these drives and found that when they start acting like they are write protected, it means that the drive corrupted. The low level format tool, will completely reformat that drive, and hopefully correct the problem.

They say it happens (usually) if you removed the drive from a computer, without using the safe eject USB function.

If this is a new flash drive, take it back to where you got it, and ask for a replacement.

sonic stage has a lot of probelms i suggest getting the money back from the mp3 player from where you bought and get a different brand or the updated walkman.