3rd Gen iPod won't mount via firewire - any ideas?

After working for a brief spell when I first hooked it up, the progress bar would freeze while I was trying to copy files across to the HD. I unplugged, reset the iPod and tried it in my old clamshell iBook, where it worked fine again.
I tried resetting the PMU on the Macbook, but this only made things worse - the iPod now refuses to mount, despite still working fine on my old iBook. Tried resetting PRAM too but no difference.
Do I have a duff port? Or could it be an issue with 10.4.6 on the Macbook?

I tried a JVC digital handycam while on the phone to AppleCare, which it recognised in iChat, and showed a live picture in iMovie. I don't know how I would check for consistency with this device, but it seemed to be working ok.
I'm connecting via a dock but have also tried connecting direct - all official Apple cables. No difference.
I'm now noticing new behaviour. When I plug the iPod in it mounts very briefly, triggers iTunes, then unmounts. It stays charging from the Macbook's firewire port, but the 'do not disconnect' disappears and I can use it as if it was only connected to AC. This is reproducible, and is the same if I turn off the launch iTunes option.
Once again, it works flawlessly with the old iBook.
I'm almost tempted to go down to the Apple Store in Regent St. and plug my iPod into a Macbook there to rule out software - unless you have any other suggestions?
Thanks for your continued support.

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3rd Gen. iPod -- can't mount with FireWire, can't restore

When my 3rd gen. iPod is plugged into an Apple computer by USB, it mounts but it won't charge. When it's plugged in by Firewire, it charges but won't mount.
When it's plugged into a Windows computer by Firewire, it charges but won't mount. When it's plugged in by USB, it doesn't charges and doesn't mount.
This was tested using multiple cords with the same results.
The problem seems to be with the software currently installed on my iPod. But I cannot restore the software in OS X, because the iPod won't mount with Firewire (which is necessary for a restore). And I can't restore it in Windows because it won't mount at all (I think it's because I originally formatted it on an Apple).
What can I do?

I am having the same problem with my 3rd generation iPod. I've made several posts here just to discover MANY more with the same problem.
I did get one reply that was helpful:
There is a cable available through the apple store
http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wo/2.RSLID?mco=5 2A56EB0&nplm=M9688G%2FA
It plugs into the bottom of your iPod and has two cords: 1 firewire and 1 USB. Plug both cables in to their respective ports and you have a fully functioning iPod.
This is a klunky fix but it works and is cheaper than a new iPod.
I'm guessing that the June update screwed up the way our iPods communicate to their host computers, knocking out firewire.
Two years ago I had a 1st generation iPod that crashed after an update. Fortunately I had an extended warranty and was able to get a new one at no charge. Interestingly, there was another update that would have fixed the older iPod. I'm hoping for another update like that.
I can hardly believe that Apple would be so sinister as to sabotage everyones iPods in order to get them to buy new ones but it sure feels like it.
It looks like its time for a sixth 'R' !
Thanks!
Mirror Doors G4 Mac OS X (10.4.7)

3rd gen ipod won't connect with firewire.

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3rd Gen iPod won't mount via firewire - any ideas?

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