Disk Utility - Writing Zeros Problem

Im trying to write zeros over an external hard drive with disk utility but the drive keeps ejecting itself about 20 min into the process. The drive had many "corrupt" files in it so this is why im trying to write zeros on it to find and remove any damaged parts. any ideas on how to fix this? or any alternatives to disk utility for writing zeros? I also have access to a windows computer.

thanks!
2011 mbp - lion

 

another question

My other question would be (probably a stupid one) if I do use a windows program to write the zeros but then reformat it for mac os extended (journaled) will the effect of the zeroing still remain? In other words would these bad sectors of the disk that get removed by zeroing the disk remain removed?