winxp home says all floppy disks are not formatted

[perhapsure]

Compaq p3, 550hz, winxp home
This a.m. it will not read floppy disks that it read last night.
Same message: disk is not formatted.
Most disks have msword files.
I am assuming that proceeding with formatting the disk will wipe the disk.
Any ideas?
thanks for a great forum.
Ross

[Backdated]

It's likely that the floppy drive itself is dirty or worn. As floppy cleaners are now virtually non-existent, replacement would probably be the easiest and cheapest option.
If you want the data, do not format the diskettes.

[perhapsure]

The floppy drive was filthy.
Boy, do I feel stupid.
Thank you for the tip.
A month ago I had cleaned out the computer, but I forgot to check the floppy drive.
Sheezh, what a dummy.