Q: Computer freezes with iPod

Ok, so I know there are a lot of questions like this, but I can't find any that are specifically like my problem. My iPod has been acting weird any way, but when I try to sync the iPod, the computer immediately freezes. But this is where mine is different. The computer doesn't stay frozen after you unplug the iPod. It immediately unfreezes and the cursor is in a different place. (If I moved the mouse.) So I know the computer is still responding, but it won't bring up iTunes or charge. I would like to back up my iPod so I could do a hard reset.... But, I can't sync it with the computer. So what do I do?  Or is there anything I can do? Please, I need suggestions. I've only had it since Christmas, so it's really not that old. Help! But I just thought of another thing. I think have updated iTunes twice before plugging my iPod in last. So I plugged the iPod in a couple of versions ago, but not untill two updates later. Could that be the cause?