Low-level format an SATA-drive?

[Mikhail T.]

It used to be, performing a "low-level format" could get a few more 
months -- may be a year -- out of a failing drive. How would I try that 
today?

The camcontrol has a "format" subcommand, but it just gives me an error:

    # camcontrol format /dev/ada3
    You are about to REMOVE ALL DATA from the following device:
    camcontrol: scsiformat: error sending inquiry

Is my drive simply beyond repair, or is camcontrol being "naive" in some 
way?

    -mi