my ipod "classic" 2nd generation does not have a format?

i am into vintage apple of the late 90's and early 2000's and i have this ipod 2nd generation 10gb. i use the two firewire cables that i have to hook it up to my imac and my hp and it does not show up in itunes or even finder or windows explorer at all! all it does is sit there and charge... i know these cables work because i use them for my 3rd generation that i just recently retired to my collection. i dont know what to do. ive tried the reset and disk mode but when i do, it says okay to disconnect? and i look in the about part and it doesnt even have a spot for "format" to tell me whether its windows or mac. please help. i really like this vintage ipod and iit is in beautiful condition for its age. i think it may still have some years in it.