Cannot delete file because of I/O device error

I'm trying to clean up my backup hard drive, and cannot remove several files.
When I try to delete or move them, I get an error message saying, "Cannot
delete (filename): The request could not be performed because of an I/O
device error."

More specifically, I bought a Maxtor hard drive several years ago that came
with "Retrospect" back-up software. I set it and forgot it, and recently
discovered several gigabytes of backup files. I also discovered that the
software no longer functions, and I need to buy an update to make it work. I
decided not to and tried to delete the backup files.

I was able to delete most of them very easily, but some took a long time and
several came back with the error message. I uninstalled Retrospect (maybe a
bad idea - I think it actually removed several files when I directed it to,
but it was taking so long and giving no indication of what it was doing that
I thought it had just frozen up), and I have deleted all but about 1 GB of
backup files.

There are other files on the hard drive that I want to save. Is there a way
to get rid of this folder?

Can you run a chkdsk /F on this drive?

Eg chkdsk /f M: (from a command prompt)

Hope that helps.
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Replied once & it didn't show. Hopefully both won't post. I am writing this
from a different computer than the one I'm writing about.

Couldn't run defrag on affected drive. Couldn't run chkdsk from "my
computer/(drive)/properties/tools". Error msg said exclusive access to files
needed. Clicked on box to automatically run chkdsk at next startup.
Restarted, but didn't work (maybe because my computer opens to welcome
screen).

Restarted computer in safe mode and started chkdsk with both options checked
(fix file system errors & attempt recovery of bad sectors). Started well, got
to "Phase 4" and stopped with only one block of the progress bar filled. Has
been that way for two hours. I can drag the dialog box around with the mouse,
and other things seem responsive, but chkdsk shows no signs of life. Maybe
there's an autofunction on the hard drive I've forgotten about that is
gumming things up.

I've tried all the stupid things to try to get a response from chkdsk -
clicking on the close button, trying to open the affected drive in My
Computer, pushing the button on the hard drive - with no effect.

Guess I'll try to shut it down and give up 'til tomorrow.