How can I get my iPod to sync properly when it gets stuck on 'waiting for changes to be applied' during syncing

My iPod gets stuck at this point every single time I sync it and it will not sync again unless I factory reset it. It also will not sync on Wifi because apparently it is 'waiting for "HP"' (is that my HP laptop? Who knows...). I am syncing on a Windows 8 laptop (since having Windows 8, I have had this issue). Google hasn't provided me with any answers.