Even if there is no physical switch, software write protection can be enabled. UFX-II includes routines to clear the read-only attribute on the controller level.
Even the USB Flash Driver Format Tool UFX-II has limitations. If the tool fails, here is the troubleshooting hierarchy: usb flash driver format tool ufix-ii
The USB Flash Driver Format Tool UFX-II (often referred to simply as UFX-II) is a third-party software utility specifically engineered for USB mass storage devices. Unlike the generic format command in Windows or Disk Management, UFX-II performs a low-level format and rebuilds the drive’s file system from the ground up. Even if there is no physical switch, software
In Disk Management, the file system appears as "RAW." This means Windows cannot interpret the data structure. UFX-II can low-level format it back to FAT32 or NTFS. Drive returns to read-only after reboot:
Plug in the USB drive. Do not click "Format" if Windows prompts you. Close that popup.