HT1353 why is my device not recognized in itunes

Question

Everytime I hook up my ipod nano to my computer it says device not recognized. I've tried using all troubleshooting advice, I've tried using all USB connections on my computer, I've continually uninstalled itunes and reinstalled the current itunes, I've checked all firewalls, all security settings, and my anti virus protection, and authorized my computer for itune use. Don't know what else to do. PLEASE HELP!!!

Answer 1

Hello rebakahloper,
It sounds like you are getting a messages saying your device could not be recongized correctly. You've done a great amount of troubleshooting, and I dont know if you have done these steps specifically, but I recommend the following troubleshooting:
iPod nano: Error message saying that iPod 'could not be identified properly'
http://support.apple.com/kb/ts3218
Verify that Apple Mobile Device Support is installed
iPod nano requires Apple Mobile Device Support, which should be automatically installed with iTunes. To verify whether it is installed, follow the steps appropriate for your Windows operating system below.
Windows XP: Click Start and select Control Panel. Open the Add or Remove Programs control panel and verify that Apple Mobile Device Support is visible in the list of currently installed programs.
Windows Vista and Windows 7: Click Start and select Control Panel. Click Uninstall a program (or if using Windows Vista's Classic View of the Control Panel, click Programs and Features) and verify that Apple Mobile Device Support is visible in the list of currently installed programs.
If Apple Mobile Device Support is not listed, remove iTunes, QuickTime, Apple Software Update, and Apple Application Support, and then reinstall iTunes. Follow the steps appropriate for your Windows operating system below.
Reinstall iTunes for Windows XP
Reinstall iTunes for Windows Vista or Windows 7
If Apple Mobile Device Support is still not installed, follow the steps in this article.
Verify the device's USB connection
Disconnect all USB devices from the system with the exception of the iPod nano and any USB keyboard and mouse. Then restart your computer.
Verify that you are using a high-powered USB 2.0 port. Do not use a USB hub to connect your iPod.Determine whether your computer has USB 2.0.
Test with an alternate iPod USB cable if one is available. Remove any USB extension cables, and verify that the iPod USB cable is connected directly to the computer.
Verify that the Apple Mobile Device Service and iPod service are both running
iPod nano (5th and 6th generation) require both the Apple Mobile Device Service and iPod service.
Refer to this article to restart the Apple Mobile Device Service.
Next, refer to this article in the section titled "Restart the iPod Service".
Verify that the Apple Mobile Device Driver is installed
iPod nano (5th and 6th generation) requires the Apple Mobile Device USB Driver (usbaapl.inf or usbaapl64.inf for 64-bit). In some cases, you may need to update or reinstall this driver. Follow this article, in the section titled "Verify that the Apple Mobile Device USB Driver is installed".If the issue remains, repeat this step in safe mode. To start your computer in safe mode, see the appropriate Microsoft article below, depending on which version of Windows you have:
Safe mode for Windows XP
Safe mode for Windows Vista
Safe mode for Windows 7
Once in safe mode, repeat the steps in this article in the section titled "Verify that the Apple Mobile Device USB Driver is installed." Once complete, restart your computer as usual to get out of safe mode.
Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.
All the best,
Sterling