USB Connected iPod not connecting

Ok, so here is my problem:

I'm currently trying to make my sisters iPod work with our computer again. We have never experienced this problem until yestarday (the day before yestarday, it did not occur).

What happens is this: i plug the iPod into the normal USB slot. At first, the computer recognized the iPod, and it (the iPod) diplayed the usual "Do not disconnect" screen. Then, windows attempts to "autoplay" the iPod (as it might with a CD). The Autoplay window is unable to do anything, and soon goes away. Then the "Do not disconnect" screen disappears. And that's it, the computer does not seem to interact with the iPod after that.

Also, typically, in "MyComputer" the drive appear as "LUCY (F" (it's given name). Now it appears as "Removable Disk (F".

I tried reinstalling iTunes (which was, itself, an ordeal), but it didn't fix the problem. The only thing that changed is that windows no longer displays the "AutoPlay" window.

Ideas?

 

Have you tried updating the ipod utility that you installed from the installation cd?

 

I would love to. But my sister was kind enough to discard the CD after the initial installation. Is there a web based way to do that?

 

Plug your iPod into its wall charger as it may have been upgraded, IT MUST BE PLUGGED INTO WALL TO COMPLETE UPDATE. if that doesnt work, im out...

 

McAdam88: I downloaded this
http://www.apple.com/ipod/download/
I ran the program, but since my computer doesnt really understand that the ipod is connected, it couldn't update.

sleepygamer213: I haven't the vaugest idea what your talking about. The slot to plug in the wall charger and the slot to plug into the computer are one and the same.

Oh, one other thing that may help diagnose:
When i attempt to use the tray icon to "Safely Remove Hardware" it tells me: "The device 'Apple iPod USB Device' cannot be stopped right now. Try stopping the device again later."

 

To remove your iPod, click the new icon in your toolbar and click safely remove my USB mass storage device or whatever its called...

As for updating your ipod, you will update the ipod and the ipod will REQUIRE that it be plugged into a wall charger (dont ask me i know their the same, i have a 20gb ipod) otherwise it wont work.

 

Update: I updated the iPod firmware through the link i posted bellow on a different computer (which, by the way, connected without problem).

Sleepygamer: Having updated the iPod software now, i know what you meant by "plugged into the wall". That said, your advice is not related to the problem i'm having in any way. The iPod does not connect to my desktop but it does connect to other computers. The problem in some way lies with my desktop.

If i haven't said it yet, im using XP.

 

I also use XP.... you may need to reinstall iTunes.... you can get it here : http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/

Just uncheck everything and click free download itunes 4.9.

Also are you using firewire or USB? Try plugging it into different slots, or if your using firewire try USB.( if you have USB 2.0). Also, it may not be detecting your USB/firewire connection. Goto Start-> Right click my computer-> click properties-> click the hardware tab-> click Device manager. IF ANYTHING at all is wrong with your USB/Firewire connections a little yellow question mark icon can be seen.

Do you have the manual?, if you still do look through it. Otherwise ill check mine for you.

 

I have already reinstalled iTunes, it did not accomplish anything.

I also previously tried your recomendations regarding the USB ports (the device manager didnt show any problems, but i updated all the drivers just in case). Also accomplished nothing.

I much appreciate your offer to check the manual. My sister (the iPod owner) no longer has hers.

 

It'd be pointless me asking this question again. my query is the same - I get the Autoplay box, iTunes doesn't recognise me - etc. exactly as you described...

I've done what you appear to have done too - reinstalled iTunes, just in case. but to no avail..

Have you had any luck? and if so, how??????!!!!!

 

Very interesting.... my iPod is no longer being recognized either... interesting. Possibly because i used something else as a media player? Anyway, I gave the guys at www.mediafour.com and downloaded X Play, I like it alot, i dont need itunes or quicktime ( i dont even use quicktime but its REQUIRED for itunes to work)

 

I had a connection problem... and SOLVED IT!!!

I had a lack of power going to my iPod. To solve, I simply unplugged some other USB devices I had in the computer. It works now.