abuendia

I have exactly the same problem. Can't format from NW-E305's menu, it seems to format, displays [formatting] and then [complete] but all songs, settings, etc remain on the bean. Using different methods and software I delete songs from the bean and as soon as I unplug it from the USB the deleted files reappear. I copy new music to the bean (also with different applications) music seems to be there and as soon as I unplug it, new music disappear. As a last resource I've tried to format it from Windows explorer and then, 99% formated and error. tried to format it from a Linux box, same error, tried to /dev/null it, seems to complete and after unplugging, everything returns to the initial state. And yes, Sony Support... They suck, the agents tell you to do the same procedures at the support home page. Tried almost anything to fix it and it seems the device is completely bullet proof. I can't touch nor modify, delete or format it by any means it always returns to the initial state.