HELP -- "The ipod cannot be synced. The device is not connected"

Just got a 1st gen ipod & trying to Sync it, it just keeps saying "The ipod cannot be synced. The device is not connected" -- the device IS connected, it even says the ipod is there on iTunes, but won't Sync. Also, iTunes is up-to-date (just checked) so not that. Been trying since last night, so I know turning the PC off & back on or restarting doesn't work either.

It's also saying the HDD isn't connected -- which it is because I can access it & iTunes can play songs from it.

Not sure if this detail is of use, but I'm running Windows 7.... My iPod is running iOS 4.2.1

Please help, im stuck! :-/

PS.

This is my first ipod, so please don't assume I already know anything about Apple products -- I won't be offended if you go into ipod basics lol.