You can get an adapter which converts the 44 pin "notebook" drive connector into a standard IDE 40pin + power interface. You could then put the drive in your PC as a "Native" hard disc which might make it more amenable to reformatting.

Also the USB housing probably assumes the drive is a "Master"; could be worth checking if there are any jumpers on the drive? It might be set to "Cable select" which could confuse your USB housing, clutching at straws a bit but you never know...