I agree with bballad and others that the LLF is your best option

Download the diagnostic tools and the low - level format program from Maxtor's web site

Http://www.maxtor.com. These are Maxplus II and Powermax. The low-level format program is self booting and will return your HD to manufacturer's original state
This software should also work with some other manufacturer's drives and if not try the original equpment manufacturer's web site