HELP! iPad not showing up when plugged in

Hi, I am getting really frustrated because my iPad first gen does not show up at all when plugged into my windows 8 laptop. There is no icon in the bottom right corner, no sound, nothing in my computer or iTunes. I've updated my iTunes and restarted everything, switched USB ports and cords... but the laptop is just not recognizing it. The laptop is new(I haven't synced the iPad to it before), but I have authorized it and there were no problems with my iPhone. I really need to connect my iPad to iTunes to update it, as the system is old and many apps are no longer supported. If anyone could help me I'd greatly appreciate it. Thank you!