First generation ipods a1213's are so obsoliete that its firm ware in one way or another.,being still an apple product, wants to auto update data that it was never original programed for. You have one of two options,#1. Throw it in the garbage can and get yourself a new or used one. #2 plug it into a electrical outlet not computer!!! And press&hold both sleep/home buttons until you see the usb plug onscreen. Now connect it to your computer and follow itunes instructions. I hope this helps you. Mine did same exact thing. Thats how i fixed mine.