iTunes freezes when I connect my iPod Touch.

Every time I connect my iPod my iTunes freezes. I haven't been able to sync for about 2 weeks. The iPod doesn't show up in the side bar or in the finder. I've tried the authorize/deauthorize, then buy a free app & it didn't work. I thought I'd see Apple release a patch or update, but that hasn't happened. I've seen a few other posts related to this issue but nothing they've suggested has worked for me. I'd like to sync before I get on a 4 hour plane trip Thursday....Help!