I cannot get my iPod nano to show up as a device on my computer?

Just so we are on the same page here, if the iTunes sidebar (left side of window) s hidden, from the menu bar, under View, select Show Sidebar.

With the sidebar visible, does the iPod appear in the sidebar, under DEVICES?

Take a look at this link, for Mac OS http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1410, and for Windows OS http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1369

No, that's fine. Once I reply to a topic, I get email notification about any later posts to the same topic.

If your iPod is currently selected in the sidebar, you see the iPod's Summary screen (or other panels related to the iPod) to the right. If you want to "leave" your iPod, select something else in the sidebar, such as Music (under LIBRARY) or iTunes Store (under Store), etc.

The "new look" for iTunes (when the sidebar is hidden) makes iTunes less "focused" on the sidebar. You can do everything without having the sidebar visible. For example, to select your iPod, use the "device button" near the top right corner of the iTunes window (this button is only visible if the sidebar is hidden). Clicking that button is like selecting the iPod in the sidebar.

For new iTunes users, the new way (without sidebar) may be easier to understand. You should try using it that way, to see if you like it better. For long time iTunes users, having the sidebar visible is more familiar.