IPod beeping and then freezing up

Question

I have an iPod mini (2nd generation). When I try to download songs from iTunes my iPod will suddenly start beeping (4 beeps decreasing in pitch, then repeats the fourth beep twice) and then it freezes-up iTunes. If I force quit iTunes, then neither iTunes or my computer recognizes the iPod. I usually get the sad or unhappy iPod icon on the iPod screen, but if it is still plugged into the computer I can also get the monochrome non-animated version of the battery icon. Once I go the folder icon with an exclamation point. My battery is fully charged. If I wait several hours I can reset my iPod, hook it to the computer and maybe get several dozen songs downloaded before the iPod starts beeping begins and then whole thing freezes up again.
eMac   Mac OS X (10.3.9)  

Answer 1

- Reset all settings                            
Go to Settings > General > Reset and tap Reset All Settings.
All your preferences and settings are reset. Information (such as contacts and calendars) and media (such as songs and videos) aren’t affected.
- Restore from backup. See:                                               
iOS: Back up and restore your iOS device with iCloud or iTunes
- Restore to factory settings/new iOS device.                       
If still problem, make an appointment at the Genius Bar of an Apple store since it appears you have a hardware problem.
Apple Retail Store - Genius Bar