iTunes does not allow my iPod Touch to sync.

iTunes does not recognize my ipod for synchronizing. It used to until I did two things: I downloaded an earlier windows upgrade to my Toshiba laptop a couple of months ago (I do not have the exact time nor remember the specific upgrade); I also synchronized my ipad to include the entire iTunes library of music.

Since then, whenever I connect my ipod to iTunes the option to sync is always in greyscale and does not permit synchronization. At the same time, iTunes shows my ipad even though it is not connected I will appreciate any helpful recommendations with this problem.