How do I reformat my time machine backup disc

My time machine backup disc comes up with error:
Files can’t be copied onto the backup disk because it appears to be read-only.
Disc utility can't fix it and gives me the following message:
Disk Utility can’t repair this disk. Back up as many of your files as possible, reformat the disk, and restore your backed-up files.
How do I reformat that drive?

Re: How do I reformat my time machine backup disc Oct 13, 2012 5:32 PM (in response to Jim Tee)
Hi again Niel:
Regarding "use the Erase option in disc utility to reformat my backup disc:
I tried the erase again and came up with the following fault messages.
"Mac OS X can’t repair the disk “Time Machine.
You can still open or copy files on the disk, but you can’t save changes to files on the disk. Back up the disk and reformat it as soon as you can."
Also
"Disc erase failed
Disk Erase failed with the error:
Couldn’t unmount disk."
Thanks for your patience
jt

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