itunes not seeing iphone

Thank you for responding. I have been working with this for a few days now. This article TS1591, in the last section seems to be something i have not tried. I stepped through it looking for all the files, and i would love to do it, but, i cannot download itunes from Apple. When i click download now, next page says "thank you for downloading" and i had received nothing. I was on a call with apple trying to figure this out, and after many tries, they said re install my os from install disc. after i reinstalled from disc, i have about 1.6 gig of up dates to do. with my satellite internet connection that is a lot of planning. so. just finished last updating the second time, and still no iphone. i may take it to the mac store, i am going soon for a possible bad magsafe power cord, (trackpad is all over the place), but i am tempted to do the last section of the test you are recommending.. maybe if you could help me to download itunes easier.