Formatting Ipod Classic to Fat32

My ipod.db and other files got corrupted, and Itunes Restore wouldn't work. So, I decided I'd format my ipod using Windows (I'm using Windows 7), only to realize later that Ipod uses FAT32 on Window Computers. Now, I can't format my Ipod to FAT32 no matter how hard I tried. I've tried third party programs, but I keep getting "Device Media is Write-Protected". I've had it on Disk Mode, tried using FAT32formatter (says collapsed partition) and HP USB (write protected) to no avail. My hard drive isn't damaged, because it works fine, and I can click and drag content onto it to my heart's content. I really need some help, and would love any suggestions...