My iPod is corrupted.

frenchiekatie, the very first thing I would start with to clean the dock connector. Use some compressed air, isopropyl alcohol and a small non-metallic pick i.e. toothpick. Make sure that your pins are not corroded, bend or broken. After that, place your iPod into diagnostics mode and see what errors (if any ) you will get. To see how to place it in diagnostics mode and what the tests mean, check on here. Get yourself a USB-to-Zif adapter, disassemble the iPod using this guide. Check all your connections and make sure they are properly seated. If they are, remove the drive (if you have a USB-to-Zif adapter, try and access the hard drive with that. If your hard drive is accessible and the dock connector is okay, you most likely have logic board issues and may need to replace it. not a terrible job and most certainly not expensive. cheaper that a new iPod for sure. hope this helps, good luck