Can't delete folder on thumb drive

[Halder]

I have a thumb drive in which I back up some of my work files. Recently, I tried to delete a folder from the drive and I keep getting the same message over and over again, which is in a dialogue box,

“Error Deleting File or Folder
Cannot delete SO2: - Cannot find the specified file
Make sure you specify the correct file and path name.”

(Note: S02 is a file within the folder, the message refers to the file within the folder not the folder itself)

Based on this error message it is as if the file/folder I am trying to delete is not there, or not seen by the computer (Windows XP), but is clearly there. I can rename it (and I changed the name to “Delete this”) and when I check “Properties” it shows as being 512K in size. I tried a virus scan on it (Kapersky) and nothing registered.

I’ve deleted and created several folders on this thumb drive and never had a problem before.

I’ve yanked out the thumb drive and restarted Windows XP and put the thumb drive back in and I get the same message.

Simply, why does Windows tell me the file doesn’t exist and cannot delete it when it is there? And how do I get rid of it.

Oh, the folder I am trying to delete contains some PDF files, but are not recognized as such, they have that generic windows icon.

Thanks in advance
Halder

[Conan]

Have you tried reformatting it?

[Halder]

No, I haven't done that, but I will. Thanks for the advice. I'll let you know how it turns out.
thanks again, Conan.

[Halder]

I copied over all the files from the thumb drive that I wanted to keep onto a folder on mydesktop and left the bad file behind. Then I reformatted the thumdrive and "presto" file all gone.

Thanks again Conan, I really appreciate your help.
Halder