Q: IPOD Touch rattlin

Sounds like you actually have an iPod Classic and it's hard drive is dying.  In that case, see this Apple support document.

iPod displays a sad iPod icon

You may also want to take a look at the extensive post from Mitch 751 from more potential solutions/fixes.

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/480759?start=0&tstart=0

B-rock