ITunes Not Recognizing/Reading iPod

Question

Hello!
I've recently had trouble with iTunes not recognizing/reading my iPod. I've plugged it in, but iTunes fails to recognize that it's been plugged in. It does charge, but that's it. I've been trying to sync my iPod, but I'm now unable to. This problem only began a few weeks ago, rather suddenly, and has not yet worked since then. I'm hoping I don't have reinstall iTunes, as I've purchased some new songs and those are what I'm trying to copy over, and I don't wish to lose those.
I'm currently running Windows Vista, and I'm not sure which versions of iTunes I'm using. I know I was using 7 at some point, but I don't remember if I've updated beyond that. I'm also using a 2nd Generation iPod Nano.
Any suggestions as to why this is happening and/or what I can do to fix it will be eagerly waited for!
Thank you.

Answer 1

Unfortunately, there is no one ‘Silver Bullet’ answer for this issue. Many things can contribute to the problem. Here are various ‘generic’ solutions that you can try in an effort to correct your problem. One should work. These are listed in simplest to more involved order (usually). Read through them all, and see if one specifically matches your observed issue(s).
First, make sure that the iPod is fully charged.
Try Resetting Your iPod while it's connected to the computer.
Hold down the Menu and Select buttons until you see the Apple logo (or Menu & Play/Pause in older models).
This will often get it recognized. However, it may take several attempts.
Try closing and re-starting iTunes. There have been cases where iTunes refuses to see an iPod, but after re-starting, it works again.
Also try re-booting the entire computer. Especially if the PC has been operating for a long time &/or many programs have been opened and closed, repeatedly.
Other USB connected peripherals may be the cause as well. Try removing all connected USB items and attaching the iPod. If you have a USB keyboard, it may be worth a try using the adapter to convert it to non-USB. If the iPod connects, continue plugging things back in until you have the problem return. You may have then isolated the issue. Sometimes it could be a printer, camera, Flash Card reader, or other attached device causing a conflict.
Your iPod may be conflicting with other USB peripherals or network drives. If your iPod shows up in Explorer under 'my computer' try changing the drive letter:
-- Click on Start=>Control Panel=>Admin Tools=>Computer Management=>Disk Management
-- Right-Click on the iPod and select “change drive letter”
-- Choose something further along in the alphabet that is unused (Usually, “M”, “N”, “O” or something similar)
-- Safely eject the iPod
-- Reboot the PC
-- Open iTunes &/or Connect the iPod
If you do find that your Device Manager is blank, you should probably check up on this issue first: No Items Appear in the Device Manager List When You Open It
If that doesn't work, Put Your iPod into Disk Mode then plug it in and you should be able to Restore the iPod
Your PC may have difficulty with the USB2 protocol and the iPod. See this Article for a possible solution: iPod not Recognized Correctly
Also try these hints (and the other suggestions above) from any other USB port you may have on the PC. Sometimes switching USB ports can make all the difference.
Try using another PC if you have access to one. Even a Mac may help. Try Restoring it on the other computer and moving it back to yours.
Also See:
Your Windows PC doesn't recognize iPod
iPod does not appear in iTunes or on the desktop
iPod appears in Windows Explorer but does not appear in iTunes
“Strange iPod Behavior within Windows”