iPod Locked?

A few months ago I lost my iPod, and then a few weeks later I found it, however by then I had forgotten my passcode, so I tried numerous combinations - but this locked me out; and disabled the iPod ("iPod is disabled, connect to iTunes"). So I tried to connect it to iTunes, however a message popped up and said that it couldn't connect because it was locked by a passcode, and tha I needed to unlock it for iTunes to work with the iPod - however this wasn't correct as I couldn't access the keya]pad, or anything for that matter, to unlock it or reset. And I really need help from someone, so that I can get it working for my dance assessment! But I don't have the time or money for it to be fixed, or replaced.