I can see the songs on my computer, but I can't play them!

Question

Rather than being in "bold" typeface, the songs are not bolded, and I cannot click on any of them. They are on my iPod, but I cannot do anything with them on my computer (and thus cannot create playlists). Any thoughts?

Answer 1

Grey text when you look at the content and a lock symbol at the bottom of the screen just indicates that the iPod is set to update automatically (sync). If you want to access the iPod directly, delete songs from the iPod, drag songs from iTunes etc. you need to change the update setting to "manually manage songs and videos. If you want to manage it manually then connect your iPod and click on the iPod icon in the iTunes source list to bring up the preference tabs in the main pane. In the Summary tab check the box "manually manage music and videos" and click Apply:
Managing content manually on iPod
iPod 101: Fill 'er Up
Something to remember about using an iPod in manual mode is that the "Do Not Disconnect" message will remain on the display until you physically eject the device. In that case use the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the Windows system tray on the desktop and check this link for alternative methods:: Safely Disconnect IPod