my windows xp does not show ipod nano in devices and consequently I cannot sync

I have uninstalled itunes and reinstalled itunes but I cant get itunes to sync. In fact ipod does not appear in a pane on itunes at all. I looked in the add hardware and the wizard shows an unknown device there it has a yellow ? next to it. Could this be the ipod? Itunes is meant to start when i plug in my ipod I think - but it starts the ipod but not itunes. I have to start itunes from the start menu. Another question; I want to sync because I have created a visualisation sound file mp3 for my sport - can I add this to my ipod. I have managed to get it into the library but off course cant sync.