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Unable to write /dev/sdc

I cannot get an external USB hard drive to format to EXT3. I just get the error "Unable to write /dev/sdc". Any ideas on what is going on?

Here is the output of fdisk -l

Code:

Disk /dev/sdc: 2000.3 GB, 2000398934016 bytes

255 heads, 63 sectors/track, 30400 cylinders

Units = cylinders of 16065 * 4096 = 65802240 bytes



Disk /dev/sdc doesn't contain a valid partition table

Here is the result of fdisk /dev/sdc

Code:

Command (m for help): n

Command action

  e  extended

  p  primary partition (1-4)

p

Partition number (1-4): 1

First cylinder (1-30400, default 1): 

Using default value 1

Last cylinder or +size or +sizeM or +sizeK (1-30400, default 30400): 

Using default value 30400



Command (m for help): t

Selected partition 1

Hex code (type L to list codes): 83



Command (m for help): w



Unable to write /dev/sdc

I do have write access to the disk as show with dd.

Code:

dd if=/dev/zero of=/dev/sdc



^C1021637770+0 records in

1021637770+0 records out

523078538240 bytes (523 GB) copied, 81736 seconds, 6.4 MB/s

Try dividing it into two partitions.

I booted the computer with a live CD and created an EXT3 partition with no problem. Not sure what the problem is with the linux install but I have a solution for now.

I probably would have just reformatted the disk with one partition that would cover the entire disk. If you're not sure how to do this theres a pretty easy tutorial here. http://ubuntuforum.webs.com/harddiskpartition.htm

I had a similar problem today with an Hitach Touro Mobile USB HDD. fdisk reported "FATAL ERROR: Bad primary partition 0: Partition ends in the final partial cylinder". parted (not gparted; I didn't try that) was able to delete the partition after which fdisk was able to work with it.