Q: Need Help Restoring!!!!

Ok, so i'm back with another question!

~ Why can't I restore my ipod?  Every tim that I hook up my iPod 4g up to the computer, i try to restore it because it is running real slow, and last time it worked. My ipod's power button ( the top one) and the home button are going, and i'm not able to get a new one or get that fixed. But that is besides the point. Every time that i hook it up, an error message comes up and says that the iPod update server couldn't be contacted. I've tried everything that i could think of, and my internet connection is fine. Same as the cable that i am using to plug it in to the computer ( its brand new chord). What can I do? Is there a way to fix this?

ALSO: I tried restoring iTunes and i re-downloaded it too. It works fine, except that i can't get onto iTunes its self either becaus of another error code, that I tried to fix too, but nothing worked.

HELP PLEASE!!!!!!!