Should the iPod be switched to ON or OFF during charging?

I did not see anything in the manual that addresses
this - does it matter?

It doesn't seem to make a diference, HOWEVER, it's always good practice to switch devices off while charging...

Okay, I understand leaving the iPod in the off position when charging. What I don't understand is, are there any lights that should remain on while charging? When I plug my daughter's shuffle in it has a solid green light for about 5 seconds and then it goes out and nothing happens after that. Is this normal or does that fall in the category of "malfunction"?

That is what I thought -- but I just got done with a
chat session during which I was advised to try
charging with the switch ON not OFF to fix the
problem! My iPod shuffle has been dead for the last
4 days and will not charge.

And?

Okay, I understand leaving the iPod in the off
position when charging. What I don't understand is,
are there any lights that should remain on while
charging? When I plug my daughter's shuffle in it has
a solid green light for about 5 seconds and then it
goes out and nothing happens after that. Is this
normal or does that fall in the category of
"malfunction"?

WHERE are you plugging it in? Make sure you use a high-power USB port (not keyboard "convenience" USB port) on your computer (not a hub).

Page 8 of iPod shuffle Features Guide:

Status Lights

Connected

orange (continuous) Charging

green (continuous) Fully charged

blinking orange (continuous) Do not disconnect (iTunes is syncing, or iPod shuffle is enabled for disk use)



Ibook/iMac/QS/eMac/PB iPodPhoto, Nano, Shuffle v1&2 Mac OS X (10.3.9)

I have 5 USB 2.0 ports. I have been plugging into one of the back ports. The computer is brand new 2 months ago, so I couldn't imagine a computer malfunction. Especially since it is rarely used, except for school work.

So what is the shuffle telling me by having a green light for about five seconds and then nothing. Not even recognition by the computer or itunes?

I have 5 USB 2.0 ports. I have been plugging into one
of the back ports. The computer is brand new 2 months
ago, so I couldn't imagine a computer malfunction.
Especially since it is rarely used, except for school
work.

So what is the shuffle telling me by having a green
light for about five seconds and then nothing. Not
even recognition by the computer or itunes?

Probably that there isn't enough power on the port(s).

See if anything here is of use to you:

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=61711