If you use an iPod with a Click Wheel (including iPod mini, iPod nano, iPod with color display, iPod photo, and Fifth Generation iPod) on a Windows-compatible computer, click here before continuing. If you’re not sure what iPod model you have, click here.

Connect the iPod to your computer. If an alert message appears suggesting that your iPod needs to be either repaired or reformatted, you can click OK or Update to launch the iPod Updater application which you can use to restore the iPod. If this alert message does not appear when connecting the iPod to your computer, continue with the suggestions below.
Charge

The battery may be low. Charge the battery by connecting iPod to your computer using the cable that came with iPod, or by connecting to an Apple iPod Power Adapter. Verify that the iPod is receiving a charge by looking for a lighting bolt icon or charging animation. Click here for more charging information.
Reset

The iPod may have locked up. Reset iPod.
Restore

Some iPod models require a specific or later version of iPod software. The iPod may have been partitioned or reformatted using an incompatible format. Restore the iPod using the latest version of the iPod Updater application. Tip: If the iPod Updater doesn’t recognize the iPod, try forcing the iPod into disk mode and then try the restore again.

* iPod is not recognized in iTunes
* iPod is not recognized in My Computer (Windows) or iPod not recognized in Finder (Mac OS X)

Products affected

* Any iPod with an LCD display

Solution

In most cases, the sad iPod icon indicates a hardware issue. If you are able to force iPod into Disk Mode, then it may not be a hardware issue, and you should try to restore your iPod with the latest software.

If you cannot force your iPod into disk mode and restore it, then your iPod is in need of service. Set up an iPod Service Request or make a reservation at the Genius Bar before visiting your local Apple Retail Store.