How to unlock disabled iPad which has never connected to iTunes?

My iPad is disabled and I cannot get it working, not even in recovery mode. It has a password and now it won't unlock . I've never backed it up and never had the need to connect to iTunes. How do I get it working again? I don't mind setting up again. But it's not clear what happens if I erase all contents, will it remain locked? It's not lost or stolen, it locked itself by accident in my bag.