IPod won't connect after 2 weeks of working perfect

Question

After using my iPod for a couple of weeks with no problems, all of a sudden, it does not connect when I plug it into the dock. It will charge, but the "Do not Disconnect" logo does not come on and iTunes won't recognize it.
I definitely have the newest software on the iPod. I even downloaded iTunes again, even though I already had the up to date version. I am using the iPod Video on Windows with the Universal Dock. This is my fourth iPod so I am not a total newby. I have tried all of the normal fixes.
I have tried three different connection cables with the same results. The kicker is that my iPod Nano connects and works perfectly sitting in its dock right next to the iPod Video.
If anyone has had this problem or has any ideas please let me know.
I have reset the iPod more times than I can count.
iPod updater does not recognize it. "Please plug in an iPod to update it" is all that I get from that.
I have connected the iPod directly to my PC using three different cables (all of which work fine with my Nano).
The iPod is showing as a USB Mass Storage Device in XP's device manager.
The iPod DOES charge while in the dock.
Thanks, Rick

Answer 1

Without knowing which iPod model, Operating Systems, USB or Firewire and other specifics everyone has, it's hard to isolate what exactly the problem may be. I don't think all of you are having the exact same problem, but maybe you are.
Richard, looks like you covered all the bases. Here are a few more things, if you haven't tried. If your Nano and Video are both connected, it could cause problems. I saw a post awhile ago about a guy who's problems went away when he only connected one iPod. Actually, it's best to disconnect all USB devices you can while trouble-shooting, especially if they are a USB storage device. You mentioned trying different cables, what about different USB ports? You mention that the "Do not Disconnet" logo does not appear, but the device manager sees a USB Mass Storage Device. I'm not sure if that's possible, that the Do Not Disconnect will not appear, but it is being recognized by the device manager. Is the device manager seeing a different Storage Device? ...or is that what's happening? Maybe it's time for Steven's option #4. Here's a few more ideas for everyone.
-Make sure the iPod is charged, charging for 4 hours will do it. Some USB ports are not high-powered ports and won't charge an iPod.
-Reset and Restore do different things. Reset mostly resets back to factory settings and calibrates the keys (don't touch any keys while it is calibrating), and you should not loose any data on the iPod. Resets are mostly done by holding down key combinations on the iPod and different iPods have different key combonations, make sure you are resetting for the iPod you have. If the iPod won't reset (comes up with Exclamation Folder, Frozen, etc...), mostly likely will have to be serviced.
-Uninstall iTunes, iPod. This means completely uninstalling. There are some folders that may have settings stored in them that are not removed when uninstalling iTunes. Remove them also; http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=93698. Restart the computer between uninstalling and reinstalling, especially if using Windows.
-Update the iPod. Download the latest version of Updater for your Operating System, there is one for MAC and one for Windows. Updater is also where you will Restore your iPod; http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=60944
-Restore will erase all the data on the iPod (have backups of the data, it can't be recovered from the iPod) and restore it's factory settings (disable disk mode, etc). Restore is done from the Updater program. Here is information on restoring; http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=60983.
-Check the system requirements for your iPod model. Win XP (Home and Pro) usually needs Service Packs (SP) 1 and 2. Some iPods will work with only SP1, but it's best to have both. Win 2K requires SP 4.
-Try getting updates for your computer, especially if you are using PCI cards for USB or Firewire.
-Isolate the iPod. Disconnect other USB devices, especially if they are storage devices. Stop any programs that might be running in the background, disable virus software...3rd party software can interfere.
-Some Toshiba notebooks with the VIA chipset "will not work" with iPods. Hopefully you have access to another computer.
The following article might help. "iPod appears in Windows Explorer but does not appear in iTunes"; http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=93716.
I'm interested in what everyone finds out. Good luck.