Itunes freezes when connecting ipod

My itunes freezes when my ipod is syncing. I have not been able to put anything on my ipod since September and it is extremely frustrating. I cannot contact apple support bc my device does not have technical support anymore and they want me to pay 20 bucks to talk to someone (ridiculous apple!!!!) If anyone has any suggestions that have worked for them, it would be greatly appreciate! Thank You!