iTunes cannot backup the iPad because the backup cannot be saved to the computer.

Hi, I'm unable to backup my ipad2. I keep getting the error "iTunes cannot backup the iPad because the backup cannot be saved to the computer".

I've deleted the backup folder from MobileSync as recommended in other discussions on this site, but no success. The error still returns. I am however able to backup my iPhone. This isn't the first time I've backup either item - in the past it's worked fine for both. I haven't made any changes to my laptop or iPad since my last backup that would have caused this.

Details:

iPad 2 IOS 7.1.2

MacAir, OSX Version 10.9.4

Both are up to date. I've got 55Gb free on the hard drive so I don't think it's a storage issue, I've deleted all videos and new photos from the iPad in case they were corrupting the process (as indicated in other posts), and I've tried a restart - all with no success.

Is anyone able to help??

Thanks very much