Don't open it yet. The problem is most likely software based. I hav had this problem with iPods before and It has been an issue with the necessary driver for your iPod. Try searching for the original driver for your model of iPod, also uninstall Itunes and try re-installing it after you have attempted the driver change. It has been about a year since my iPod problems were fixed so I can't say for sure that this is the solution but it's one place to look. Good luck!