Q: ipod nano (7th) earphones not connecting 4 replay or radio

ipod nano 7th gen (Christmas present) has not/is not connecting to ipod re music replay or as antenna for radio.  However the earphones work in another device.  Appears to be an iPod socket problem ... also because another iPod connecting cable to a sound system will not extract the mp3 replay from the iPod.  Is this a common problem and is there an easy answer other than taking it back to the retailer