Can't make USB startup disk

[Cyber72]

I have ubuntu 10.04 as the only operating system on my laptop. I have gone through the steps to create a startup disc. I have successfully selected the right downloaded file and the right device. But the "Make startup disc" button is faded out and inoperative. I am frustrated but not surprised hardly anything in ubuntu 10.04 works the way it says it does.

[2F4U]

Are you using Ubuntu's startup disk creator application? Does the usb drive provide enough space? If there is anything on the drive it may be worth deleting the content. What live Linux version do you attempt to bring on the usb?

[Cyber72]

Yes I used Ubuntu's start up disc creator, The usb flash memory is 8GB and I deleted everything on it prior to attempting to to use it for start up. I followed the instructions at http://www.ubuntu.com/download/help/create-a-usb-stick-on-ubuntu .

[Cyber72]

I am trying to bring 12.04. the downloaded file is ubuntu-12.04.1-desktop-i386.iso.
Also I made a mistake in the original post I have Ubuntu 12.04 not 10.04 installed on the laptop.

[Cyber72]

I eventually got what I wanted by ignoring the Ubuntu Home Site instructions an clicking delete contents of device, back came 2 error messages and after about a minute the "Make startup disc" button became live.

[C.S.Cameron]

I am trying to bring 12.04. the downloaded file is ubuntu-12.04.1-desktop-i386.iso.
Also I made a mistake in the original post I have Ubuntu 12.04 not 10.04 installed on the laptop.

I understand that SDC from 10.04 only works for 10.04 and previous.
Try UNetbootin.