what is wrong with itunes 12.1, unable to sync music

I recently had to replace my HD in my PC.

I installed Itunes update 12.1.1.4 and itouch update iOS 8.1.3 .

all my music had been backed up on a external HD so I lost no music.

But now my Ipad and 4 Itouches (v4 & v5) do not sync music.

All I get is (Syncing "ipod" (step 5 of 5) sometimes(4 of 4)

I can see on the screen all my music but grayed out with a cutout circle next to them and on the devices a red circle with a red square inside.

I have even uninstalled and installed itunes and reset my devices to factory to no avail.

I have attempted to contact Apple to no avail.

Its either an attempt to get me to walkthrough the same thing I have already done or

a lenghthy conversation with a person who only puts me on hold so many times and the language barrier is

just another issue.

Anyone out there have any solutions?