My 3G won't restore to backup after new software install

I tried downloading the new operating software for my 3G and had minor problems. After reading online that it is best to go thru the restore process versus updating, my husband and I both followed the procedure online. We both backed up our phones and then restored them to factory settings. This installed the new software on the phone. After that, we restored to back-up. My husband did this with no problem. I have had so many problems. Basically, my phone will restore to factory settings with new software, but when I try restoring to back0up, the phone just freezes up and continues to the reboot screen over and over and over until you hold the nap and home buttons to shut down phone. I keep getting error messages such as "your iphone cannot be synced. the required disk cannot be found.

HELP!!! I called apple and after 4 calls, the only solution was to take m phone into an Apple store for service. The problem is I live over 150 miles from an Apple store.

Any help or suggestion would be greatly appreciated. I have even tried just running on the restored phone with nothing on it for 2 days and tried backing up today and had the same problem again. Currently, I have no contacts, no emails, no photos, no music, no anything and I live and die by my phone.

Please help!!