Do you have a new iPod? If you do, this list of precautionary steps is for you. It's what I learned with two of my iPods, a Nano 1G and an iPod Shuffle 2G.

  1. Before connecting your iPod to your computer, open iTunes and connect to the Apple Store. If the store is down, do not connect your iPod until the store is working. When you first connect your iPod to your computer, iTunes will connect to the iTunes Store and if the store is down, iTunes will not let you continue using your iPod. This happened to me when I first connected my iPod Shuffle, but I think it may happen with all iPods.
  2. Charge your iPod before trying to load music on it. The best way to do this is with Apple's USB Charger (I recommend you buy one). Plug in the iPod and let it charge until the green light comes on with an iPod Shuffle or the fully charged icon is displayed on a Nano or iPod. If you plug your new iPod into your computer's USB port and it isn't recognized by the computer or iTunes, don't panic - it may just need to be charged before it can be used. My Nano came with a completely discharged battery and it wouldn't do anything until it received an adequate charge.
  3. Make certain your computer has been updated to the latest version of iTunes and, if possible, the latest version of the Mac operating system.