USB problem

Ok my dad has a compaq and my older sister has an alienware computer (area-51 7500) both these computers are relatively new and have USB 2.0 connections. so here is my problem. My younger sister just bought a ipod nano and wanted to put songs on it. well we connected it to the USB 2.0 ports on both computers respectively however it knows that a device has been plugged in but it says that it is an unknown device and then ignores it. so what is the problem?

P.S. I would hook it up to my computer (an old Hp pavillion laptop) but it currently has a problem with overheating when a disk is put in.

 

Is iTunes running on both machines (iPod Service Automatice & running in Services.msc). If the device is coming up on one machine "Unknown", that usually means that iTunes is not on said machine, neither is the iPod Service. Also, Apple.com Service section has some great info, which you should also look at for the iPod.

 

Yes both computers have Itunes the latest version. and both computers have had no problems using USBs before this. I am ferreting around on apple in between replies so i might find an answer there. But if I don't I hope i can come back and find some helpful info here at major geeks.

 

Everything you need to know http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=304946 And this is why I am switching from a PC to a Mac. No compatibility problems.

 

Similar prob with my memory watch Plug&Play if I use an extension lead I get the same message but when connected directly it will be noticed not always the first time though. Try a direct connect and try all USB connections/ports as even though onboard USB2 bank together its only two that will function properly on my Mobo. Hope this helps :major