2G iPod not recognized by iTunes

I cannot seem to get iTunes to recognize it. I am running OSX Yosemite on a 2010 iMac, and the current iTunes version. Whenever I plug the iPod in it will launch iTunes and show as mounted to the desktop, but I am unable to do anything with it. I've also tried using iTunes 10 on my Windows Vista PC with similar results, Can view in my computer but does now appear in iTunes.

I've tried every format available for the hard drive with the same result.

I've tried both of the firewire cables I have with the same result

I chatted with Apple support for 2 hours last night when they came to the conclusion that they cannot be bothered to answer questions about such an old iPod.

I've ordered a new firewire cable from amazon, hoping that that will fix my problem, but I'm starting to lose hope. Is there any third party software that I can manage my music with?