IPod Classic has files, but won't play anything on iPod or in iTunes

I have a question about iPod/iTunes file structure.
I have an 80 gb iPod Classic with about 50 gigs of music and video. I'm not sure what I did, but I can't get the iPod to play, or recognize the data in iTunes. When I plug the iPod in, it registers in Windows with the disc name and all folders (showing 50 GB used space), but in iTunes, it just calls it "iPod" (not the iPod name)and it only shows the Summary page, no others with the only option being to restore the iPod. I get the message "iTunes cannot read the contents of the iPod 'MY STUFF'. Go to the Summary tab in iPod preferences and click Restore to restore this iPod to factory settings." I don't have the computer with the original music (my dad has it half the country away), so I refuse to restore. All the music and video was purchased through iTunes.
Also, when the iPod is disconnected from the computer (or connected for that matter), it shows that the iPod has 50 GB's of data, but when I select Music or TV Shows for example, nothing shows up. It almost seems empty
I'm thinking I deleted a file or two that iPod/iTunes needs to recognize all the files (the iPod Library file maybe??). I have a hidden folder called iPod_Control on the disk. Can anyone tell me what I need to do? Do I need to copy or create a file or folder? Do I need to move files around? Kind of random, I know, but I don't want to lose literally thousands of dollars in paid music and video!
THANK YOU!!!

I have the same problem -- my iPod (first-gen nano) says "use iTunes to restore" in several languages, and doesn't do anything. I can see it in disk utililty and in the system profiler USB list. Fine, I think, I'll just load all my music back on after I restore.
Whoops! Apple forgot that if your iPod doesn't show up in iTunes, you can't restore it any more! Even the kbase is out of date, because it tells you (as the final step) to use iTunes to restore the thing on the page about iTunes not recognizing it.
If I reformat in Disk Utility, will my iPod be permanently damaged? Because that's looking like the last thing I'll be able to do, now that Apple has dropped standalone updaters...

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