Problem trashing items from external HDD

I am trying to get rid of a folder from an external HDD that is having some issues. Here is what I've tried, and the outcomes:

Emptying the trash: Not just one, but two errors:

The operation can’t be completed because the item “untitled folder 2” is in use. and The operation can’t be completed because the item “Recovered Files” is in use.

These folders are not being used by anything.

rm -rf: This error message shows up: rm: /Volumes/Unusable/.Trashes/501/Recovered Files/untitled folder 2: Permission denied

rm: /Volumes/Unusable/.Trashes/501/Recovered Files: Permission denied

Errors related to permissions seem to be the running theme with this external HDD.

Restarting the machine: Nothing changed.

Safe mode: Nothing changed.

Changing who can access the HDD: Nothing changed.

What is up with this external HDD that is causing so many issues at once?