Hello SplashGordon,
Try the steps as mentioned in below Apple Support kb and also Reset the settings on your iPod.
Reset iPod Touch (No data will be lost)
Disconnect your iPod from the Mac if it is connected and do the following.
On your iPod go to Settings> General> Reset> Reset All Settings and click on continue and let the iPod Restart and try connecting your iPod to your Mac and see if it gets detected in iTunes also Restart your Mac once before connecting the iPod.
iOS: Device not recognized in iTunes for Mac OS X : http://support.apple.com/kb/ts1591