Here's a weird and wonderful problem that would mean so much if somebody could help!

Question

Ipod: 5th Generation Video (Classic)
The Problem: Essentially what I am trying to do is recover photos off my Mum's old Ipod. She imported these photos onto the Ipod directly from her camera at the time (2006) so they were never saved on any computer. There are about 500 photos of a family holiday. It means so much to me to get these off now because my Dad passed away earlier this year and I want to surprise my Mum with these photos which we haven't properly been able to see for about 8 years now.
The Ipod does turn on, I am able to see the photos, but here's the issue: when I connect the Ipod to my computer, whether in normal mode or disk mode, Itunes freezes, the internet cuts out, and (if in disk mode) when the Ipod shows in 'My Computer' as a removable disk in F: drive, I cannot gain access into it - the window just freezes. Essentially, the whole computer jams up, but is instantly fine again as soon as I disconnect. I am therefore unable to remove these photos off the Ipod.
This is pretty much my last resort. I cannot even tell you how grateful me, my brother and mum would be if anyone was able to help me fix this problem.
I will try and answer any questions fully and speedily
Many thanks in advance

Answer 1

Thanks for the reply Curt,
I have tried both suggestions and it does appear to be part my computer and part the Ipod's problem. I tried switching and plugging into another computer (Macbook Pro) and although the internet did not cut out, Itunes still froze/refused to start up and although the Ipod was found in the USB tree, it wasn't showing up in Finder. This appears to be the common theme - the computers are finding the Ipod, but not being able to fully connect with it