My iPod touch won't go into recovery mode

I have a first generation iPod touch, with a slightly broken home button (I have to press it really hard to work).I had just erased the memory off of it, and it had rebooted. As it starts up, it keeps getting stuck on a screen with an Apple logo, wth a loading circle below. The circles spins for a few seconds and then stops. I have tried hard reset (home and power button). I have also tried home and power button for ten seconds, and then just home button for ten seconds. I have tried that numerous times, while in iTunes, and while out of it. I really need some help, as it has no warranty left, so I cannot return it.

Thanks in return,

P.S I really would apprecciate any help.