IPod now entirely dead....please help!

Question

My husband’s second generation IPod had a dead battery a couple months ago, so I gave him my IPod to used; he authorized his ITunes for the IPod, and used it with no problems. Now that his IPod is back, I have tried to sync my IPod (also second gen, 20G) with ITunes (I have a windows laptop), but its problems are getting more and more severe – to the point that it now won’t even turn on.
When I first connected the IPod to my computer (using the firewire port, since that’s how this model connects), it asked if I wanted to authorize my IPod for my ITunes, and I said yes. It then copied about 60 (of 1400) songs, before declaring “Attempting to copy to the disk failed. An unknown error occurred (-69).” I tried syncing a few more times after this, but always with the same error.
I then updated my ITunes software, but the problem persisted. I also tried resetting the Ipod, but that didn’t help. I also charged the battery overnight, so that it was fully charged…
Next, I tried to update the IPod’s software. During the installation/update process, I received a disk write error. So I then tried to do a restore, again using the IPod software updater. Part of the way through the process, I got this error: “formatting failure, disk write error.”
At this point, things got even worse. When I tried to turn on the ipod (either in the dock or not), it gave first the apple symbol, and then an icon that looks like a plug being put into a slot – I guess it was asking to be docked (even though it was already in the dock, and the dock was connected to my computer).
So, I tried once again to reset the IPod; once I did this, though, the IPod went entirely dead. I can’t get it to do anything at all – it won’t turn on, and it doesn’t recognize the dock (and my computer doesn’t find it). I have tried two different docks and firewire adapters, both of which work for my husband – neither works for me. I also tried connecting to a different computer (and one that works fine for my husband), but no luck there either.
I’ve had this IPod for nearly 3 years and have never had a problem with it…it hasn’t been used that much, maybe 100 hours total, but now I’m wondering if it’s just dead? Any suggestions appreciated.
(By the way, I also just tried smacking it with the heel of my hand, but still no signs of life).
Thanks!

Answer 1

The "disk write error" you were getting indicate that
the ports on your laptop are not providing the iPod
with enough power. Now that your iPod's battery is
dead, charge it with the wall adapter for 4 hours,
then connect your iPod to a computer with high
powered USB ports - a desktop computer would be best
if you have access to one and then restore the iPod
with the iPod updater.
Thanks for the advice! It makes sense that it could be a power issue, and I could try it with my desktop at work (although my IPod doesn't have a direct USB cable; I"m guessing I'll need an adapter, like the Firewire adapter, but for USB?).
Unfortunately, I think there may be a bigger problem: the IPod (which did have some charge in it this afternoon, since it was charged overnight and barely used since) is completely non-responsive. When I place it in the dock to charge, I get nothing (whereas normally the charging indicator displays), and I cannot turn it on (or reset it). So I suspect that placing it in the dock to charge won't do much good.
Other ideas?