Sansa Clip won't delete files or accept firmware update

Tried to format with 2 different PC’s in normal mode and even safe mode (just for grins).  Error message “Unable to complete the format” in all cases. 

I’ve never plugged it into a mac.

In fact, I haven’t given it a whole lot of use.  I bought it probably a year ago and it worked fine for several months, and then I put it away for several months.  When I started reusing it, the battery was totally dead, but it charged up fine.  Now, it’s having this problem.  In addition it’s much slower to boot up, and also slower to “goodbye”.

I wonder if it might have something to do with WinXP service packs?  During the time I wasn’t using the Clip, I upgraded my old Dell 4600 to SP2 and SP3.

I’m beginning to think it’s just corrupted.  Not being able to format is a major issue in that regard.