ipod mini wont sync...

I was given a refurbished ipod mini but I can't get it to sync to my computer. I've downloaded itunes and I've done everything that I was told to and that I've done in the past with my other ipod but it just will not sync. Can someone please tell me what to do?? I would like to take some of the music off of it as well but not all of the music. I even read the little instruction booklet but what it said didnt match the options acutally provided by itunes. If someone could just give me step by step instructions I would be soooo happy! Thanks!!