why does my IPod not appear in Compter or Device Manager or ITunes using Windows 7?

My 5th generation IPod does not appear on ITunes. Likewise, it does not appear in my OS Windows 7 in the folder: Computer nor does it appear in the window: Device Manager. Is this because Windows 7 does not recognize the IPod? I've had my new computer (1TB, Win. 7, etc) for several months which replaced an older computer with OS Win. XP. The IPod worked fine on XP and I suspect Win. 7 is the issue here? Correct? Windows 7 doesn't recognize several devices and feel like it's planned obsolescence! What is the alternative here if it's Win 7? I have no plans/interest to buy a new IPod, btw!