Q: Why does my ipod timeout when I try to sync it?

Maybe:

iTunes for Windows Vista or Windows 7: Troubleshooting unexpected quits, freezes, or launch issues

iTunes for Windows XP: Troubleshooting unexpected quits, freezes, or launch issues

I would also then try on another computer to help determine if you have an iPod or computer problem.

• Try this: Put it in DFU mode by

How to enter iPhone DFU mode

• Connect the iPhone to your computer and launch iTunes
• Turn the iPhone off (hold down the power button at the top of the iPhone)
• Hold down the sleep/power button and home button together for exactly 10 seconds, then release the power button
• Continue to hold down the Home button until a message appears in iTunes telling you an iPhone in recover mode has been detected   

• When you are in DFU mode your iPhone screen will be completely black

Even though the screen is black, that doesn’t mean the device can’t be interfaced with either iTunes or a custom firmware client (for jailbreaking, etc).

Remember that if you see the restore logo, iTunes logo, or any message on the iPhone screen, you are not in DFU mode but standard Recovery Mode. Again, DFU mode is signified by having a completely black screen on the device. If anything else is the case, repeat the steps above until you enter into DFU mode successfully.

Exit DFU mode on iPhone

The simplest way to exit out of DFU mode is to hold down the Home and sleep/power buttons on the iPhone while connected to iTunes. Then just hit the power button as and this should reboot the device as usual.