Unable to Format External Hardrive

Hello all,
This is kinda long winded. In short I can't format a new Maxtor external hard drive with Disk Utility because it hangs. It doesn't just hang when I select the Maxtor, but also when I select the internal. Is there a way that I can format it without using Disk Utility so I can start using the external drive? I just need to back everything up so I can wipe my system clean.
The long version is: nothing seems to be working on my computer. Everything seems to hang like I can't update anything, I can't install any software, and now my DVD drive won't burn. I probably need to do a system restore or something. If there is no way to get my external to work without Disk Utility, is there any other way to back my files? Could this be a font issue as well? I have poor font management.
This is for a G5 1.6 single PowerPC

Hi-
Welcome to Discussions!
Sounds like you have either damaged your hard drive(internal), or, you are having third party or font conflicts.
Start troubleshooting by trying a safe mode boot. To start up into Safe Mode (to "Safe Boot"), do this:
-Be sure the computer is shut down.
-Press the power button.
-Immediately after you hear the startup tone, press and hold the Shift key.
Tip: The Shift key should be held as soon as possible after the startup tone but not before.
-Release the Shift key when you see the gray Apple and progress indicator (looks like a spinning gear).
If able to start, log in and run Disk Utility. If errors are reported, run repair while booted from OS install disk. If no errors are reported, you will need to look at your startup items and fonts, to find the conflicting item(s).
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=107392
If unable to boot in safe mode, try a single user boot, and run fsck. Please refer to the following document for full instruction:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106214
After single user boot, depending on the report from running fsck, you will either be able to boot normally, or you will require help from Disk Warrior to properly repair your hard drive;
http://www.alsoft.com/DiskWarrior/
G4AGP(450)Sawtooth, 2ghz PowerLogix, 1.62gbRAM, 120gb+160gb HD, ATI Radeon 9800   Mac OS X (10.4.8)   Pioneer DVR-109, LaCie 160gb, 23"Cinema Display, Ratoc USB2.0, Nikon Coolscan

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