Problem - Unable to Sync

Question

Hey,
Let me start off by saying that this is the first ever problem I have had with my iPod or iTunes since I bought it just before Christmas.
Anyway, here's the crack...
I have an 8GB iPod Nano and have used up 5GB or so. I am using the latest version of iTunes (7.2) and on a Windows XP computer. Today I added 3 new albums, then clicked file at the top so I could click "Sync Melvin Elvis", but instead saw "Sync iPod" which is shaded grey so I can't select it.
My iPod IS showing up as being plugged in and in working order though, but for some reason I can not Sync the iPod to get these 3 new albums on. The "Manually Manage Music" bit is selected as one of the options if that makes any difference?
Please help.

Answer 1

"The "Manually Manage Music" bit is selected as one of the options if that makes any difference?"
It makes all the difference. Syncing is updating automatically, if you have the iPod set to manual update you drag songs from the iTunes library to the iPod icon to add them: iPod 101: Fill 'er Up
For reference: The iPod offers three ways to transfer music from your computer. You can select one of the following update modes from the iPod Preference tabs.
Connect your iPod to your computer and when it appears in the Source list click on it to show the preference tabs in the main pane. Choose one of the following options and click "Apply".
1) Sync Music - All songs and Playlists. This is the default mode, in which your entire music library, including playlists, is automatically synced to your iPod. If the music library on your computer exceeds the iPod storage capacity, you are prompted to select a different update method. You'll find this in the Music Tab.
2) Sync Music - Selected playlists. With this option, iTunes automatically copies the playlists you have selected to the iPod when you connect it to the computer. You'll find this in the Music Tab.
3) Manually manage music and videos. You can also choose to transfer music to the iPod manually. This allows you to drag and drop individual songs and playlists from iTunes to the iPod. You'll find this in the Summary Tab.
Note: When changing from automatic to manual, check the "manually manage music and videos" box in Summary then press the Apply button. Don't uncheck Sync Music it will be unchecked by default when you choose the manual setting.