How to get Windows 7 to see frozen iPod Nano

Question

Hi,
After installing Windows 7 on my PC, I installed and updated iTunes then tried to sync to my iPod Nano (5th generation).  I got an error code while doing this, which unfortunately I did not record but is probably irrelevant now anyway.  I then tried to restore the device.  This process also stopped with an error code and now my iPod is frozen.
If I apply power to it, I get a message flashing on every few seconds telling me to restore with iTunes, but the device is not even visible in iTunes.  It is not visible in Wndows Explorer either (not sure if it should be or not).  I have tried reinstalling iTunes with no effect.  If I hard reset the nano (toggle Hold then hold down centre and menu buttons), the following happens: I get a flash of the Apple logo on the nano and iTunes says 'iTunes must check the iPod software update server to identify this device'; I click 'Check'; iTunes says 'iTunes needs to prepare your iPod for recovery.  Please leave your iPod connected.'; I click 'Continue'; iTunes displays 'Preparing iPod for recovery'; this then disappears and nothing else happens on either the iPod or iTunes and the device does not appear.
I have even tried all of the above on a different PC with a fresh install of Windows XP, so it is hard to see how the fault can lie in Windows.  It really does seem that the initial crash while restoring the iPod has left it in a permanently-frozen state.
This was a wedding present and I can't afford to replace it because I am currently unable to work because of health reasons.  Which is a way of saying I am pretty desperate.  So if anyone can help with this, I really would be most grateful.
Kind wishes, Patrick

Answer 1

Thank you for the answer.
I tried resetting the iPod with no luck.  I tried reloading the system software from iTunes but this too froze.  I passed the unit on to a friend with a much more modern PC and - even after contacting Apple Technical Support - they could not get it working.  Apple said that the unit needed to be sent into them at a cost of ninety-odd quid.  Needless to say, I was not impressed.
I now have a Sony Walkman hooked up to Media Monkey and am much happier.  Okay, the unit is not quite so flashy, but I never used half the stuff on the nano anyway.  The Walkman has a solid, reliable feel about it, and was a lot cheaper than a new nano.
Kind wishes, Patrick