I went through the same issue a few days ago and could not believe the frustration I felt! Apple, if you read this, more customer service please!!
Also, I did send an e-mail through I-tunes (the only live address I could find) and am including a few refrences they provided (kudos and thanks to Aris!!):
Dear James,
As I understand it you have a one year old "Nano" that will not start. I can certainly understand how this could be disappointing for you.
Unfortunately, your request for assistance has reached iTunes Store Customer Support, which answers nontechnical questions exclusively about billing, customer accounts, downloading purchases, and iTunes Store content.
However, this article may help resolve the issue:
"iPod Manuals"
http://www.apple.com/support/manuals/ipod/
I found this article for you on the iTunes support website at:
http://www.apple.com/support/itunes/ww
At that website you will find a wide variety of helpful tutorials, troubleshooting tips, and support information.
To find answers to general questions about iTunes, open iTunes and choose "iTunes Help" from the Help menu.
To post questions and read answers provided by other iTunes users, join the iTunes discussion forum at:
http://discussions.apple.com
To get technical assistance and service information for your iPod, visit:
http://www.apple.com/support/ipod
If you require more in-depth assistance, you will need to call Apple technical support (there may be a fee associated with the call). To find the appropriate phone number, please visit:
http://www.apple.com/support/contact/phone_contacts.html
It has been my pleasure assisting you, James. Thank you for contacting the iTunes Store. Feel free to respond to this email with any additional questions you may have concerning this issue.
Sincerely,
Aris
iTunes Store Customer Support
http://www.apple.com/support/itunes/ww