Can't get songs to transfer to new ipod. Help?

I got a brand new iPod nano (7th gen) for Christmas and have been trying to transfer my iTunes library on to it. I think my other iPod (the one with all my songs) is a 4th gen nano and I have the latest update for iTunes installed. There's nothing I can find online that has helped me. Things like "back up" are not even options on my iTunes while my old iPod is connected and when I connect my new iPod it tells me it either doesn't recognize it or there is no device plugged in. Some of the instructions I've seen online tell me to go to the "summary" tab- I can't find that anywhere. I've been trying since Christmas to get my songs switched over and am beyond frustrated at this point. If anyone can help I'd be appreciative.