Unable to format drive.

[Tarkis]

Hey, so, small problem here...
I'm trying to format my brother's laptop's hard drive, as it is a cesspool of viruses and simple fail. Just yesterday it decided to BSoD every time he got the to server list in FL. Also, it takes a few tries to get Windows to boot without crashing.

So, my problem, it won't let me format it due to...
"Windows cannot format this drive. Quit any disk utilites or other programs that are using this drive, and make sure that no window is displaying the contests of the drive. Then try formatting again."

Of course, there's nothing else running, even tried it in safe mode.
Tried it in the command window thing too, not quite sure what it's called...you know, black screen, fixedsys font, no mouse required....that thing.

Any suggestions?
Besides getting a new drive, as that's our last resort.

---

Character Stories/Backgrounds:
Cat o' Nine Anodyne (Character no longer exists.)
Delirium (Character no longer exists.)
Journal of Tarkis, the Orphan.(Character no longer exists.)
Story of Iggy, the Amazing Citizen. (Character no longer exists.)