IPOD 5TH GENERATION (LATE 2006) Boot Loop

Question

I have this iPod and here is what it's doing.  Please note:  The HDD has been replaced with an OEM and it does spin up, I have done a lean test on it, and the battery was completely dead, but does hold a charge.  A new one is on the way.  Here are the steps I take:
1. I press the center button on the click wheel
2. The Apple logo appears
3. I release the center button
4. After 5 seconds, I get a iPod sad face and the triangle with an exclamation point inside of it.
5. It then turns off.
Here is what I have done to troubleshoot:
1. I have done multiple resets by turning on the hold selector switch and turning it off, then holding down the Center and Menu buttons.  Same Result.
2. I leave the cable unconnected and I have put the iPod in disk mode by, with the iPod off, pressing and holding down the Play/Pause and Center buttons, then I wait for the apple logo to appear, and then I release the buttons after about 15 seconds.  Once in disk mode when it says OK to disconnect,  I will then reconnect to a PC or Mac.  The screen on the iPod will start to say do not disconnect with a blinking no smoking sign in the middle.  On the PC, the iPod driver installation started once, failed when the iPod went back to the Apple logo screen from disk mode, thus severing its connection with the PC, then proceeds to boot loop.  It will only boot loop if plugging into a charger or computer.  When its plugged into a Mac, it does the same thing on the iPod, but nothing pops on the Mac at all.  When its still plugged in and getting charge after the sad iPod face goes away, it says Please Wait Very Low Battery, even though the battery has a full charge.
3. I have done the same procedure with the cable connected to the PC or Mac, which replaces the first step in number 2.  So, it would say I have a connected cable and I have put the iPod in disk mode by.  So on and so on.
4.  I have disconnected everything in the iPod and reconnected as well.
If any one can help, please.
Late,
MT

Answer 1

Hard Reset the  iPod  as below- this does not delete or erase any song or data.
Toggle the Hold switch, make sure you dont see the red mark when you do the  next step
Reset the iPod -> Press Menu and Center button simultaneously for about 10 secs till the Apple Logo comes ON
Then release the buttons
Select your preferred language.
Charge your iPod again, using a high power USB 2.0 port on the Mac body, don't use the keyboard USB port or any USB hub.
Here is the Apple support Article on the 5Rs
http://www.apple.com/support/ipod/five_rs/classic/
When you charge, what do you see on the iPod screen? should be one of these icon
If you dont see these icon, then try another USB cable or a wall charger.
If you see any of these icon and still cant play music standalone, then your battery need to be replaced.
If your iPod is under warranty, bring it in to Apple Store, and they will replace it.
If it is out of warranty, there is a replacement fee.
Apple offers a battery replacement for  $59 (iPod nano and classic),  plus $6.95 shipping, subject to local tax.
See this link
http://www.apple.com/batteries/replacements.html
Have a nice day!