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iPod recognising the computer, or visa versa, then retry using a different USB port or a different iPod cord. Restarting your computer and/or reinstalling iTunes might all do the trick. But if nothing's worked, then you'll have to restore.

Restoring wipes everything off your iPod and takes it back to factory conditions. iPod Touch users needn't panic, iTunes should have a backup of your settings, emails and notes which it will reload automatically. To restore, connect your iPod to iTunes and then hit the restore button (located in the iPod preference window).

But what if my iPod can't connect to iTunes? Well, here are some tricks you'll be hard pressed to find anywhere else. Doing a restore (as detailed above) while your iPod is connected to your computer often forces it to connect. This saved my iPod Touch after I all but turned it into a brick after performing some (perfectly legal) hacks.

If you're still having trouble, or if the same problem happens again, then there's something wrong with your iPod's hardware. This is where all those whose iPod is still under warranty make their way to the Apple Store. If you're out of warranty then getting it fixed might cost more than a new iPod would unless you do it yourself.

What have you got to lose? Your iPod's already out of warranty? Go for it I say!

If you've got an iPod with a hard drive (an original iPod, iPod Mini or iPod Classic) then turn it on (as much as you can) and hold it to your ear. If you can hear your little iPod trying to rev his engine - it sounds like a really tiny lawn mower that just won't go - then you have a hard drive problem. If you're out of warranty then check out the guide at www.ifixit.com which will tell you how to remove the hard drive.

Once you've detached the hard drive try squeezing it at the corners in the very middle (stay away from the other areas). If that doesn't work then try the age old technique of gently banging on the desk. Believe it or not, this is exactly how I fixed my 60Gb iPod Video.

If you're still having trouble connecting to the computer there might be a faulty connection actually inside the iPod. You can reconnect the wiring by following the helpful guides at www.ifixit.com. If you're squeamish about performing the equivalent of open heart surgery on an iPod, then chuck it in the freezer.

Seriously, put it in a zip lock bag and then place it in the freezer. When it's been in there a while, take it out and run it over to iTunes. If it works then quickly restore the software and reload your songs before it thaws! This might totally fix your iPod's problem, or you might have to do it every time you want to update your iPod.

If nothing's worked so far and you're iPod won't even respond then maybe the battery's dead (it happens to all iPods eventually). Apple will replace it for you (for a fee if you're out of warranty) or you can do it yourself. You guessed it, the guide's over at www.ifixit.com.
Given up?

Time to get a new iPod? Your old one might still be worth something. If the hard drive isn't wrecked then you can get a reasonable price on ebay, same goes for the battery even the case and screen are worth something.

Good night and good luck.

Learn more about this author, Ben Winsor.
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