iPod Video 30g

My 30g is really screwed up, and has been for quite a while now. When it turns on the sad-faced iPod with the caution symbol comes up, and it makes an odd clicking and high frequency noise. Also, when I shake it it sounds like something is detached from something else. I don't want to take it to the apple store just yet, because it's not my primary iPod and it truly doesn't matter. I just wanted to know if anyone has any idea what might be wrong or why this may have happened.

I have the same problem with an older 30 gig. Its most likely the hard drive. I have read many articles that say "tapping" the hard drive will sometimes fix it. It didn't work for me. If its still under warranty, I'd take it in, and not even attempt repairing it. If not, well, if its not going to work anyway, why not try? Good luck.