My AirPods are not connected at all

Have you tried resetting the AirPods? How to reset your AirPods and AirPods Pro – Apple Support (UK)

This helped me when I had connecting issues with my first pair of AirPods

Another suggestion that I have to do is to go into Settings-Bluetooth, find your device and tap on it. If you do not see your device, make sure that they are on. If you still don’t see them, follow the the directions that came with your iPods to pair them (so they show up under bluetooth).