Q: icon with battery and (!) does that mean battery needs replacing?

Hey ln48

Mainly the battery icon with exclamation mark is Low Power or Low Power Charging.

iPod may need to remain connected for up to 30 minutes before it has enough charge to turn on. Your iPod can be charged more quickly with the optional Apple USB Power Adapter

If it still does not power on, there are some links in the article that will further assist you.

iPod: About the battery charge status icon

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1435

Thanks for using Apple Support Communities.

Regards,

-Norm G.