MS Backup Software Error Message (Windows 98 2nd Edition)

I am trying to backup some files to my hard drive (not CD-RW) using Microsoft Backup and the C:\MyBackup.qic format so that I can transfer those files to a CD-RW using Easy CD Creator (MS Backup is unable to backup directly to a CD-RW). I've done this before, but this time I'm getting an error message that says: "This media is write-protected. Remove the write protection or insert another media to continue." I don't understand why I'm getting this message or how to resolve it. I ran the Dell Diagnostics CD-ROM, both Quick and Full, and everything checks out fine.