iPod not showing in iTunes when I connect USB?

I'm trying to sync my iPod touch 5th Generation to iTunes on my PC, but my iPod is not showing as a clickable option. It doesn't even say that it is syncing at all on iTunes or show the spinning arrows on the iPod screen itself. It only charges my iPod. I am using a generic brand USB cord, but it has synced before. I'm afraid I would rather not buy a new Apple USB because of the high price and how fragile it is. Any other suggestions on how to fix this? Did I maybe miss a step?