how do I transfer a cd to an ipod nano

The songs on a physical music CD need to be in your iTunes library first, before you can sync them to an iPod. Assuming you did that already, since you said you made a playlist with the songs, there are some other details that matter. Is your iPod currently set to use manual loading (not automatic syncing)? Also, do you want that playlist to appear (as a playlist) on the iPod, or do you just want the songs on the iPod?

For manual loading of just the songs onto iPod... In iTunes, show your Music library (click Music button on horizontal bar). In the middle of horizontal bar, click Playlists. You should see a sidebar along left side of window, with your iPod listed under Devices. At the right end of horizontal bar, select Songs (to show your Music library as a plain list of songs).

Find a song you want to put on iPod in Music library song list and select it. Drag song to iPod in the sidebar. You can do this with more than one song selected, for example, all the songs on that album ("CD"). Instead of dragging, you can also right-click on selection and Add to Playlist -> [your iPod's name].

Please post back if the situation I described is not exactly what you are asking about.