can not reset or put into disk mode

I am having many probs w/my ipod mini (4Gig). I can not reset or put into disk mode (as far as I can see... i do the reset button thing and the apple icon appears but nothing restores), I have two exclamation point icons appearing, one with a folder icon as well as an exclamation and a battery appearing, and the ipod seems to be turning on and off - i can hear a constant clicking sound periodically, that or the apple icon just blinks slowly on and off) also can not see ipod through udater/reseter or itunes and have tried all the steps on the support site and downloaded all the new software (updater) and restarted, etc. Are there any answers short of paying to send it in? If not, is this covered under the 1 yr warrenty that comes w my ipod? its been about 11 months since I bought it and the warretny goes into details about manufactureers fault. Is it theirs?
Please help me. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!
So sad. - Sarah (punkywonderdoo)v

Windows XP

E-Machine Windows XP

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