why does my ipod shuffle not turn the volume up all the other buttons work apart from the button that increases the volume how can i fix this?

If you have an Apple Store nearby, you can make a reservation at the Genius Bar using the store's web page.

http://www.apple.com/retail/

Otherwise, you can use the Contact Us link at the bottom right corner of this page to contact Apple tech support. You'll need the serial number of the iPod. It's really small on the shuffle, but you can find it here

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1459

(and it should also be on the iPod's Summary tab in iTunes)

You can enter it here to check on current coverage

https://selfsolve.apple.com/agreementWarrantyDynamic.do

If you turn the volume down all the way, does the volume up button work to a certain volume level (and does not go any higher)? Or is it just not working at all?

If it does not work at all, there may be a hardware problem with that button. But just in case is it related to software, you can try doing a Restore in iTunes. Select the shuffle in the iTunes sidebar, under DEVICES. Over to the right, go to the Summary or Settings tab. The Restore button is there. This will erase the shuffle, re-install its software, and set it to default settings. If the cause is a software or settings glitch, Restore should fix it.

If it works to a certain volume level, you should check the Limit maximum volume setting, which is on the Summary or Settings tab in iTunes. If that setting is checked, try unchecking it or setting it to a higher setting.

If you make a reservation at a specific date and time, you won't have to wait (or not wait very long). You can just "pop in," but if they happen to be busy at that time, you may have to wait "in line."

If you did a Restore and the problem recurs, it is probably a hardware problem. If it's less than one year since purchase, it is under warranty.