Q: Newest update stuck in a loop

My ipod was updating software for newest update 6.1.6 , done from settings mode while plugged in. It did the first bar which I assume is installation and the second bar which is probably the download portion keeps loading maybe 1/8th of the bar then I get the "thinking" power on/off image and the bar starts at the beginning again. I've restarted it by holding the home and power button. I've plugged it into itunes and all the data is still there in itunes as well as it states the newest software has been installed. Which it still continues to do this loop. The back-up option won't work correctly. I'd rather not try and restore. Any options?