Trying to erase hard drive, but get "input/output error". What does this mean? What can I do to erase my hard drive so I can reinstall?

Hi all,
My computer a few days ago wouldn't start up, would just stay at the gray loading screen forever. So as a result I tried to reformat the hard drive and reinstall, but I can't reinstall, until I erase the hard drive, but when I try to erase the hard drive it says the erase failed due to an input/output error. What does this mean? What can I do to fix my computer?

The startup drive is failing, or there is some other internal hardware fault.
Make a "Genius" appointment at an Apple Store, or go to another authorized service provider.
Back up all data on the internal drive(s) before you hand over your computer to anyone. There are ways to back up a computer that isn't fully functional — ask if you need guidance.
If privacy is a concern, erase the data partition(s) with the option to write zeros* (do this only if you have at least two complete, independent backups, and you know how to restore to an empty drive from any of them.) Don’t erase the recovery partition, if present.
Keeping your confidential data secure during hardware repair
Apple also recommends that you deauthorize a device in the iTunes Store before having it serviced.
*An SSD doesn't need to be zeroed.

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Trying to burn data on a CD-R disk, but then I get a window that says, "Burning failed" , and that one of the volumes on the disc is still in use", so
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Trying to erase hard drive, but get "input/output error". What does this mean? What can I do to erase my hard drive so I can reinstall?

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