5th generation video iPod USB not working

Question

Hi, my 15 month old iPod 5th generation video no longer connects with USB on my iBook (all my other USB devices work just fine in the two USB 2 ports).
The screen lights when iPod is plugged in and when unplugged using USB, but that appears to be the in toto communication performed.
I have performed the five Rs, and putting the iPod into disc mode yields the expected result on the screen of the iPod (tick and OK to disconnect) but no connection to the computer (yes, I have plugged/unplugged a number of times).
I have disconnected the battery (as another poster suggested) for several minutes and that does not seem to have helped in resetting the system.
It charges just fine via Firewire (either by a Firewire port on my iBook or by an Apple Firewire AC adaptor type charger), with absolutely no charging taking place when connected with USB (either by a USB 2 port on my iBook (G4 2004 model) or by an Apple USB AC adaptor type charger).
I have also tried three different USB cables, one old, two brand new Apple ones (all of which work just fine on my old 4th gen iPod, my daughter's 3rd gen iPod and my partner's two 4th gen iPods).
When I run the inbuilt diagnostics on the iPod, all of them come back as ok, including USB, both as charging and communication, so, in theory, everything should be ok, but most patently isn't.
I have tried to use the iPod on a Windows 2000 computer and an older iMac (both of which otherwise work fine with other iPods either using USB and Firewire) with nil recognition by any.
I've looked in the wide dock connection plug at the bottom of the iPod as another poster said that the connection pins might be bent, however, I can't see any actual pins, just a wide tongue in the middle, the same as on my other older iPod. Or do I need to open up the iPod and look for something in there?
Judging by the nr of comments and questions on similar issues here with the 5th generation video iPod, there should be a definitive fix for this problem, although, after looking through as much of the forums that might relate to this problem, no one seems to have come up with an explanation, let alone a solution for it.
So, my question remains, my iPod 5th generation video no longer connects with USB on my iBook, has anyone else (taking into account the above information), either had/have this problem and or found a resolution to it?
Cheers, Peter
iBook G4   Mac OS X (10.4.9)   5th generation video iPod

Answer 1

Dear deggie, hi, thanks for the tip as to what I should be looking for in the slot. However, sadly, it all looks to be fine (well, at least the same as my other iPod).
HR, thanks for the tip re opening the iPod, unfortunately, it is 15 months old, so well past the 12 month warranty expiry (ridiculous, isn't it?).
Here in Australia, we don't have access to Genius Bars and Apple Stores, just the local distributors, and they want $210 to repair/replace the iPod, which, frankly I find a bit rich, considering that it hasn't been mistreated in any way and the other iPod I have has been running fine for more than two years.
I get the feeling, judging by the many complaints on these forums regarding the problems that the gen 5 iPod being recognised and connecting to both Mac and Windows, that this cannot just be purely user error or maltreatment. However, I'm unsure as to what can be done to resolve them or get Apple to admit to there being a problem.
One of the things that confuses me, is that all the internal diagnostics (menu + select then select + back) including USB communication, all come back fine, when, as mentioned in an above post, it most patently is not. Anyone have any clues as to what this might be due to?
If, by some bizarre fluke, I manage to find a resolution to this problem (short of going and paying Apple $210), I'll post back here with it.
Again, thanks for the help, cheers, Peter