Write protection error no matter what I do

I followed all the steps on this site:
https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-fix-write-protection-errors-on-a-usb-stick/

When I try the command prompt fix, I get to the point where it says to find your disk in the list, where I can see my disk clearly becaue it's the 16 gb one listed as 1. But when I type in select disc [1], it gives me an error that that disk does not exist.

So when I try the Registry fix, there is no such folder "StorageDevicePolicies."

When I try to reformat the disk, (I have already backed up my files. I realize this would erase them.) I get the same popup "disk is write protected."

Please help, I really don't want to have to buy a new 16 gb flash drive, they are expensive.