imessage for ipod 4 6.1.6 version. said set up successful but my number and all contacts come up red with ! behind it and cant send, help

I message for ipod 4 6.1.6 version. said set up successful but when I went to send message from ipod to iphone the contact went red with ! behind it. ?? I just tried to turn off and back on imessage but now I am on repeat?? ugh between sign in, it verifies and goes to this is email to use, and then goes back to sign in. I have done that now 6 cycles so not good.