I can't restore my iPad 3rd Generation as it requires updating, which crashes, what can I do?

I recently acquired an iPad 3rd Generation, which was brand new. When I first attempted to sync my music and videos etc. to my iPad it failed. I updated iTunes and that solved the sync problem, so I thought I should update to iOS 6. The first attempt at an update crashed and put my iPad into recovery mode. Now every time I try to restore my iPad, it requires an update at the same time, which crashes every time with the error 3014. I have followed all the steps recommended on there and it still doesn't work. (I am using Windows 7 on a Packard Bell laptop). Having recieved the iPad I gave my iPod to my friend who attempted to do the same thing and it crashed during the update and exactly the same thing has happened with him. (The iPod is 3rd generation and it was attempting to update to iOS 5)

I have no idea what's left to do so if anyone can help me it would be much appreciated.