Hello
I am using Fedora 28.
I have a USB memory stick with a FAT file format.
For a very long time, I had no difficulty using it to write, read and delete on a Win 7 and Fedora 28 system.
Then, one day, when using Fedora 28, I could see files on it, but could copy not from it to Fedora 28 nor use F28 to delete files on it; had no difficulty writing, reading and deleting files on it when in a Win 7 system.
After that day, when using Fedora 28, I can see files on it, copy from it to Fedora 28 but can not use F28 delete files on it; as before, I have no difficulty writing, reading and deleting files on it when in a Win 7 system.

I tried using chmod to change permissions, but get an "Operation not permitted" message.
(I read somewhere that is because I can not use linux to alter permissions on a FAT (i.e. Win) file system.)
But I also tried unsuccessfully to change the permissions on the USB via Win 7 using right-click, Permissions, Sharing tab, Advanced Sharing, Permissions.

Any ideas?

Other USB sticks with FAT file systems work perfectly in the Fedora 28 box.

If you've had it "For a very long time", and it's playing up, get a new one. I consider my data worth more than the cost of a USB stick. Not to mention all the pointless screwing around.

It may be that Linux is more sensitive to latent problems - anything in the journal ?.

Edit: I should also mention I'm not a fan of [V]FAT, but it genrally works ok for low load, small files. On my raspberry pi3s I find the FAT /boot often comes up in need of a fsck even when not being written to.

You are right. That is one solution. I am not emotionally attached to that USB stick.

But I do not think its age is the root cause of the problem.
I hope to find the root cause, so in the event the same problem happens with another USB stick, I can resolve the issue.

Sounds like it is read only on Fedora, check how it has been mounted.

Otherwise, I'd try giving it a new MBR, re partition it, & add a new file system to it, but if it continues to give problems, throw it.

Moved: This thread is more suitable in <Fedora> and has been moved accordingly to help your thread/question get the exposure it deserves.