IPod Touch (3rd Gen) completely unrecognized by multiple PCs - suggestions?

Question

Recently I picked up a 32GB iPod Touch from a pawn shop; the guy let it go for cheap since it was disabled and he couldn't figure out how to re-enable it, which I figured wouldn't be a problem. However, the device doesn't seem to be recognized in either of the Windows 8.1 laptops I've tried it with - it'll charge over USB just fine, but it doesn't recognize that it's plugged into a computer, and the computer doesn't acknowledge that a USB device of any sort has been plugged in.
I've looked at the connector on the iPod itself, and aside from being a bit scuffed around the base I don't see anything actually wrong. It's possible that it's the cable I'm using that's the issue, as it's a cheap cord that was included with some iPod Nano clone from years ago, but it still recognizes and transfers to/from the clone device just fine. I've ordered a more reputable cable online, and it should be here early next week, but in the meantime is there anything else I should try?
Of note, both laptops had iTunes installed, the Apple Mobile Device service was running, tried multiple USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports, etc.; it doesn't appear to be a Windows or iTunes issue so much as a hardware one. I've tried both normal connections and recovery mode, no dice either way. Any tips (short of sending it to Apple for repairs, as I'm sure it's well outside of warranty and I'm clearly not the original owner) would be greatly appreciated, although with the iPod being disabled there's not a lot I can try device-side.

Answer 1

You first have to place a disable iPod in recovery or DFU mode for iTunes to see the iPod.
Place the iOS device in Recovery Mode and then connect to your computer and restore via iTunes. The iPod will be erased.
iOS: Wrong passcode results in red disabled screen                         
If recovery mode does not work try DFU mode.                        
How to put iPod touch / iPhone into DFU mode « Karthik's scribblings        
For how to restore:
iTunes: Restoring iOS software
To restore from backup see:
iOS: Back up and restore your iOS device with iCloud or iTunes
If you restore from iCloud backup the apps will be automatically downloaded. If you restore from iTunes backup the apps and music have to be in the iTunes library since synced media like apps and music are not included in the backup of the iOS device that iTunes makes.
You can redownload most iTunes purchases by:
Downloading past purchases from the App Store, iBookstore, and iTunes Store        
If problem what happens or does not happen and when in the instructions? When you successfully get the iPod in recovery mode and connect to computer iTunes should say it found an iPod in recovery mode.