We usually throw our drives on a CSC drive workstation for a good low level format, that seems to be the only way we've found to wipe that password clean. IBM will tell you you need a new drive.
DOH!!! could be worse, at least the new T20/21 and A20 series will let you clear the power on and supervisor passwords by removing the battery, the older thinkpad 600's use to require you to jumper two little pads in the memory compartment with a paper clip while powering it on (annoying even).
Give the drive a good low level format, if that doesnt work... hope the drive goes band and get it replaced under warr. good luck
