Dark screen unless backlight turned on??

Question

I previously owned an ipod mini and I didn't have to use the backlight feature unless I was in a dark room because the screen was still perfectly visible. With my new ipod nano 4th generation the screen is too dark to see at any time of day unless the backlight is on. Is there something wrong with my screen or is it supposed to be really dark to the point where you can't read it unless the backlight is on?
Thanks!!

Answer 1

Hello Pilsky,
I would be concerned too if the screen of my iPod nano remained dark.  I recommend following the steps listed below. 
These steps are for the iPod nano 6th generation.  If you are using a different model of iPod nano, the only step that may be different is the step to reset the iPod.  I have also included the article that includes to the steps to reset other iPod models, so be sure to reset your iPod according to that article:
Will not turn on or screen remains dark
Connect iPod to power for at least ten minutes to ensure that the battery has enough charge to allow iPod to turn on.
If iPod does not turn on after ten minutes, try resetting the device while it is still connected to power. Reset the iPod by holding down the Sleep/Wake button and the Volume Down button for at least eight seconds or until you see the Apple logo appear.
If the Apple logo appears on the display, connect iPod to a computer and verify that it appears in iTunes and can play music. If iPod appears in iTunes and can play music, no further troubleshooting is needed.
If the screen remains dark and will not turn on, then your iPod may need service.
iPod nano (6th generation): Hardware troubleshooting
http://support.apple.com/kb/ts3474
You can find the steps to reset alternate iPods here:
How to reset iPod
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1320
Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.
Best,
Sheila M.