Windows 7 forum: Lock Writing on USB Flash Drive

It's not likely going to work if you're relying on a software solution. That software likely has to be installed on every computer you want to block write access to, and making that happen with the death of Autoplay will be tricky at best. It also would only work on Windows systems most likely. Put it in a Mac or a PC running Linux, and they'd be free to do whatever they pleased.

My advise would be to go out and find a flash drive with a write protect switch on it if that's important to you.

Not a clue. I'm on the other side of the Pacific and in the Northern hemisphere, so I know nothing about the retail landscape in the land of OZ.

I'd start with the likes of Amazon if they have an AU specific site, and any of the larger electronics retailers in the area. At least the ones that weren't washed away by the recent flooding.

Try USB-Secure

USB Secure Software helps you to
password protect USB drive,thumb drive, memory stick, pen drive, jump drive, flash drive and external hard,drive. It supports plug and play and runs automatically once a USB drive is plugged in, asking you the password for it. USB Secure is hassle free and it doesn't need a rocket scientist to master.
Works well. Simple non installation password
* ? Take your secure USB drive anywhere
* ? Plug in to any PC and it will run
* ? No Administrator rights are needed
* ? Protection is PC independent

http://www.newsoftwares.net/usb-secure/

Some Verbatim drives come with built-in "locking" ... which is really just a fairly complex software solution. There is no way to physically lock most USB Flash Drives, but the Verbatim's V-Safe 100 software does a good job. My two Verbatims also have retracting connector ends on them, to keep the chances of damage low.

By far the best security for any thumb drive is physical; keep it locked up someplace safe.