05-13-2010, 10:47 PM

Hey guys, I've turned to this forum since I don't know where else to look about this issue. Here's a condensed copy of my thread from elsewhere, we couldn't figure out a solution:

So I don't quite remember when this happened or what could've triggered it, but my iPod is no longer recognized by Windows as a drive or in iTunes. It has the little "charging" symbol over the battery life bar when I plug it in, but nothing happens otherwise. It's a 30 gig video iPod if that matters, probably like 5 years old now. I'm running Windows 7. Things I've tried:

-Replug the wide connector, replug into different USB port
-Detecting new devices in device manager
-Restarting
-Reinstalling iTunes, making sure all the ipod helper crap was running, and plugging it in again
-Restarting the iPod using Menu + center buttons
-Changed my computer drive letters to R,S,X, etc. still didn't work
-Making sure "Apple Mobile Device" was a running process
-Trying an iPod Nano on my computer, it was detected
-Trying my iPod on an old XP system, was not detected

It appears to be completely functional otherwise, and it gets power so the cable seems fine. I have an external working also so I guess its not the mobo. What's weird is that I can still play songs using my iPod FM transmitter thing, which plugs into the bottom wide slot much like the USB cable does. Wouldn't that mean that the iPod can still send data through that slot? Why does the computer not detect it then?

So yeah long story short I've tried a lot of things and all I have is a charging iPod plugged in to my computer. It's no longer under warranty and not worth it to repair.

05-14-2010, 12:55 PM

So yeah long story short I've tried a lot of things and all I have is a charging iPod plugged in to my computer. It's no longer under warranty and not worth it to repair.

I had the same problem with an iPod Mini (old model). Here's what you can do to try and resolve it:

Assuming you have a functional Windows PC... Attach the iPod via USB. It should be detected by Windows 7 as a USB device and you'll hear the pong sound. If iTunes opens, close it. Now open administrative tools, Disk Manager. The iPod should be listed there. Re-format the iPod using FAT-32. After the format is finished, remove the iPod.

Reboot Windows 7. Attach the iPod again, and this time if iTunes opens, let it open. Then select restore iPod. iTunes will download the latest firmware and restore the iPod.

Remember though, that by reformatting the iPod, you will lose all your videos and music that's on there so back them up first. If nothing else is wrong with the iPod, that should do it.

Regards.

05-14-2010, 03:04 PM

Originally Posted by chscag

Assuming you have a functional Windows PC... Attach the iPod via USB. It should be detected by Windows 7 as a USB device and you'll hear the pong sound. If iTunes opens, close it. Now open administrative tools, Disk Manager. The iPod should be listed there. Re-format the iPod using FAT-32. After the format is finished, remove the iPod.

See, this would be fine, I would have no problem reformatting the iPod if that would make it work, but it is not detected at all by the computer. No pong sound, no iPod listed in My Computer, and no broken USB devices in device manager. Plugging in the iPod causes it to start charging, and that is all that happens.

05-14-2010, 06:11 PM

It sounds like failed firmware. (on the logic board) If it can't be detected at all, then it's a firmware problem. Even if the flash memory is bad in the iPod it should still be detected by Windows. I'm afraid your iPod is probably beyond repairing.

I hate when that happens. Not much you can do except buy a new one.

Regards.