USB Drive Terminally Write Protected–Can’t format it!

My previously-reliable Kingston 32GB USB drive has suddenly become write protected. The drive is recognized by my Dell Laptop which provides a helpful message that I cannot use it until I format it. When I attempt this, I’m told Windows can’t format it–it’s write protected.

I’ve tried everything Google can suggest: Registry tweaks, Command Prompts, you name it, without success.

Is there a nuclear option for getting this apparently simple task done?

Thanks in advance