Using either InCD [Nero] or DirectCD [Adaptec/Roxio], if that software is installed, you insert a CDRW. Start up one of those programs and you'll find some feature to format it. Otherwise, you should click on the word "HELP" on the top of your toolbar. If you are using some other software for packet-writing [what a CDRW can do], then I can't help you b/c you didn't provide ANY info. Good Luck.