If you are having problems with your iPod, remember an iPod is a hard drive. Use disk utility to verify your iPod. If it shows a damaged header file, click on the repair button. This may very well solve your problem.
PowerMac G5 2x 2Ghz,
Mac OS X (10.4.7),
PowerBook 17" 1.33GHz
All you need is a utility program that verifies and repairs hard drives. I understand there is one that comes with windows, but being a Mac guy, I don't know how to use it. You might also do a google search on somethings like "disk verify" or "hard drive repair."
An ipod is just a hard drive with an interface. Check the volume headers. They often get corrupted and need minor repairs. A good utility will fix it in less than a minute.