Apple broke my iPod and refused to fix it, What should I do?

Question

Sometime around the end of September, I downloaded iTunes version 5.0 (I believe). The first time I opened it, it told me I needed to download the software updater for my iPod mini. So I downloaded the Software Updater, then the problems started.
This was two months ago, so I don't remember exactly everything that happened.
I clicked "Update" from the choices, and it was updating my iPod. Then the program froze. I eventually closed it, and my iPod had that file folder icon with the ! on the display. I ran the Updater again, and it froze again. I went to the website, and tried everything, even selecting "Refresh" from the software updater, and it froze again.
The software updater broke my iPod.
So I sent it in for service one month later. I would have sent it in sooner, but when I saw they were going to charge me $30 for shipping to fix their mistake, I was outraged, and sent them an e-mail. They never replied.
So I sent my iPod, and they sent it back unfixed. Over the course of three weeks, I sent them maybe four e-mails, and it took them that long to reply. They told me they have the right to refuse service on any iPod.
And if that wasn't bad enough...
I can't uninstall iTunes off my computer. I want everything Apple-related off my computer, but they did something so I can never get rid of iTunes, I know it.
I'm a young college student. I can't afford to buy another MP3 player. I think Apple, a multi-billion dollar company, can pay to fix my iPod that their program broke.
I just don't get it...

Answer 1

SO you waited a month, got more ticked off and then decided to send it in for $30?
Yes. I know that sounds stupid, but they didn't reply to my e-mail, so I eventually succumbed to their wicked practices and sent it in with a service request.
Do you meanit didn't work or did they tell you they did nothing to it?
There was a letter saying they didn't fix it, and to call a phone number if I had questions. The phone number was just a recording of the letter they sent.
They told you the warranty was void because of something you did to the iPod?
I sent it in for the ! file folder problem, and they didn't fix that. I don't know why.
Start -> Control Panel -> Add or Remove Programs
Yeah, no kidding.
I've tried that a few times, and the Uninstall program never comes up.
So I downloaded the new version of iTunes, figuring I would try to uninstall the new version. But I can't install the new version. Error #1627 or something.
Have you tried all the links on the iPod Service and Support page?
Yes. When I first got the file folder icon, I did everything on the site. Tried resetting it, and nothing happened. Tried putting it in disk mode, but nothing happened. Left it plugged in for hours. Did it while it was plugged in, nothing. Unplugged it and tried again, nothing.
It's been unused for nearly 2 months now.
I just want them to fix it. Is that so much to ask? Their program caused the stupid ! folder icon to come up and keep my iPod from working. Yet they refuse to help me. It took them 3 weeks to answer my e-mail, and all they did was send me the same form letter I got with my returned iPod, and on the phone.
I swear, I am never buying another Apple product as long as I live. Awful awful customer service. You can't even get a human response out of anyone.