Q: message saying "The iTunes software server could not be contacted."?

I'm trying to restore an iPod touch that has been locked forever and I can't remember the passcode. When I connect the iPod to iTunes, and hit the restore button, I get a message that says "The iTunes software server could not be contacted." Then below that is says to make sure that my network settings are correct, which I've done, and that the connection is active, which it is.